The French prime minister, Dominique de Villepin, has reshuffled his cabinet and appointed a new overseas territories minister.
Herve Mariton has been given the post previously held by Francois Baroin who is now the minister of internal affairs replacing Nicolas Sarkozy.
A statement says the health minister has quit to serve as spokesman for Mr Sarkozy who is contesting next month's presidential election as the candidate of the ruling UMP Party.
Mr Baroin succeeded Brigitte Girardin less than two years ago.
