US President George W. Bush has named EPA chief, Michael Leavitt, as secretary of health and human services.

US President George W. Bush has named Environmental Protection Agency chief, Michael Leavitt, as secretary of health and human services.

Leavitt, a former governor of Utah, will replace Tommy Thompson, who has resigned.

Bush said Leavitt is an ideal choice to lead one of the largest departments of the United States government.

The latest nomination means that Bush has filled one of the last two openings in his second-term cabinet.

He still needs to name a replacement for Bernard Kerik, former New York police commissioner who abruptly withdrew his nomination for consideration as secretary of homeland security on Friday. He cited immigration problems with a family housekeeper.

Nine of the 15 cabinet members in Bush's first term have resigned in a post-election reshuffle and six are staying on.