The Brothers: David & Ed Miliband

When David and Ed Miliband stood together in Downing Street yesterday, they became the first brothers to share seats at the cabinet table since 1929.

The two ministers have both enjoyed a meteoric rise through the high commands of New Labour; David a key figure in Tony Blair's policy machine at No 10, and his brother a central part of Gordon Brown's Treasury entourage.

The Milibands are Labour aristocracy and the brothers are among the most academic MPs on the Labour benches, although Ed has the reputation of being more down to earth.

From the day David, a man repeatedly tipped as a future prime minister, confirmed that he would not challenge Gordon Brown for the Labour leadership, it was clear he would be entrusted with a major role in the new Prime Minister's government.

Yesterday, the 41-year-old former environment secretary became the youngest Foreign Secretary for 30 years after a career that has taken him from head of Mr Blair's policy unit in opposition to one of the great offices of state under Mr Brown.

He is an enthusiastic Arsenal supporter and regularly watches his wife, the violinist Louise Shackelton, performing with the London Symphony Orchestra. The couple have a two-year-old adopted son, Isaac.

Ed, 37, who is said by some to be the one to watch, becomes the Cabinet Office minister, a key job in what will in effect be the Prime Minister's department. He will be charged with progress-chasing across government and will play a crucial role at the centre of Mr Brown's administration.

Interesting? Click here to explore further