Social Democrat Ardalan Shekarabi has moved from his post as minister for public administration to become the new social security minister. 

“One of his primary tasks will be working hard for our country's pensioners,” said Prime Minister Stefan Löfven at a press conference of Shekarabi's new role.

Former Minister for Social Security Annika Strandhäll announced she was leaving the post on Monday, following the death of her partner.

Shekarabi was born in Manchester in 1978 but grew up in Iran. His family fled to Sweden in 1989 where their asylum application was initially rejected. After living in hiding for a period of time they were eventually granted asylum on humanitarian grounds in 1991.

And Lena Micko, previously head of the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions (SKL), will replace Shekarabi as minister for public administration. Micko was born in Umeå but has lived long-term in Linköping, where she has also held the post of deputy mayor.