Copenhagen - Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen on Wednesday concluded a cabinet reshuffle and presented the new ministers to Queen Margrethe.

The reshuffle was made after Lene Espersen was elected Tuesday as the new leader of the Conservative Party, the junior partner in Rasmussen's centre-right coalition.

Espersen, who has held the justice ministry portfolio since 2001, succeeds Bendt Bendtsen as deputy prime minister, and takes on his portfolio as economic and business affairs minister.

Rasmussen praised Bendtsen's efforts to help create "historically good ties" between his Liberal Party and the Conservatives that have been in office since 2001, and said he looked forward to continue this cooperation with Espersen.

Bendtsen, 54, announced he aims to run for the European Parliament next year.

Culture Minister Brian Mikkelsen succeeded Espersen as justice minister and was replaced by Carina Christensen whose transport ministry portfolio was to be handled by Lars Barfoed who made a comeback to the cabinet.

Rasmussen's minority government needs the backing of the populist Danish People's Party to pass legislation. (dpa)