North Korea has announced that Kim Yo-jong, the younger sister of leader Kim Jong-un, has been handed a senior role in the ruling Wokers Party.

The 26-year-old has been made a departmental vice-director in the Central Committee.

The appointment indicates that she has become a trusted aid to her brother, who ordered the execution of his uncle Jang for treason last December.

Miss Kim has occasionally been seen at her brothers side at political gatherings though without any specific job title.

North Korean watchers are unclear as to whether she will have any real influence on policy or will be working within the country’s propaganda machine.