SOUTH Dorset MP Jim Knight missed out on a job in Prime Minister Gordon Brown's Cabinet - but he has been made a privy counsellor.

Schools minister Mr Knight was on a fact-finding tour in Spain when he was telephoned by Mr Brown and asked to join the Privy Council, a body of senior politicians who advise the Queen.

Political commentators had tipped Mr Knight as a potential replacement for Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly.

On the eve of the Prime Minister's first reshuffle Mr Knight said it would be a 'huge privilege' if he was asked to join the Cabinet, but admitted he wasn't holding his breath.

He said today he was not disappointed with the decision.

Mr Knight, who acquires the title Right Honourable as a member of the Privy Council, said: "Gordon rang me at my hotel in Spain and asked me to join the Privy Council.

"He said I would be carrying on with the job I'm doing looking after schools.

"The reshuffle was about managing the economy and ensuring stability."

The Privy Council's duties are mainly ceremonial, although members takes precedence over MPs when speaking in the House of Commons.

Mr Knight said: "There are certain matters which are secret and dealt with only by the Privy Council.

"It will allow me to be more involved at the heart of Government.

"I suppose it's like getting your first England cap."