Lord O’Neill of Clackmannan has been appointed president of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group, with effect from 24 August.

The former senior Labour Member of Parliament joined the SEC Group board in 2005, shortly after his departure from the House of Commons.

SEC Group chairman, Trevor Hursthouse, said: “Over the last 12 months, as a member of the SEC Group board, Martin O’Neill has been enthusiastic in supporting SEC Group initiatives and in promoting our message, particularly in Westminster and Whitehall.

“As our incoming president, he will be able to play an even more creative and influential role in taking forward the specialist engineering sector’s agenda and in helping us to achieve our key objectives.”

O’Neill takes over the SEC Group presidency from John Harrower, who has held office since 2002.