David Cameron, Britain's prime minister, has chaired his first cabinet meeting, bringing together former rivals from the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties.

The new leader has risked angering senior members of his Conservative party by handing out five senior posts to Lib Dem MPs, with leader Nick Clegg appointed deputy prime minister.

Another 15 party members are expected to be appointed to the lower ranks of government as Cameron fills out the rest of his administration.

Cameron's coalition government is the country's first since 1945.

Tough decisions

The government has already announced that cutting the country's record budget deficit of $236bn was its "most urgent issue", detailing plans to slash $9bn from it this year.

In an accord released on Wednesday the coalition also said Britain would not join the eurozone during its five-year parliamentary term, and stressed the need for banking reform to avoid a repeat of the 2008 financial crisis.

William Hague, Britain's new foreign secretary, insisted the coalition deal would stand the test of time, saying it would "be a strong government".

But the British press warned on Thursday that tough decisions that lie ahead could threaten the new partnership.

"The chemistry between Mr Cameron and Mr Clegg ... may wear thin as the administration is forced to make hard and unpopular choices," the Financial Times said.

The cabinet meeting comes hours after the government hosted its new national security council.

Ministers were briefed on the situation in Afghanistan and counter-terrorism work in the UK.

Hague will meet Hillary Clinton, the US secretary of state, in Washington on Friday in his first overseas visit in the job.

"I think getting to grips with these Afghanistan and Iranian issues is right at the top of our agenda," he said.

A visit to Europe would follow "very quickly", he added.

Labour leader

Meanwhile the Labour party, now in opposition after 13 years in government following the May 6 election, has begun its search for a new leader.

David Miliband, the former foreign secretary and frontrunner to succeed Gordon Brown, began campaigning around the country on Thursday after declaring himself a candidate Wednesday.

Others are likely to join him within the coming days.