SINGAPORE - Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Josephine Teo was co-opted to the highest decision-making body of the People's Action Party (PAP) on Wednesday (Oct 11).

Speaker of Parliament Tan Chuan-Jin was also appointed the new chairman of the PAP's Seniors Group (PAP.SG).

The party announced the changes to its central executive committee and its senior wing in a statement after it met on Wednesday (Oct 11).

Mrs Teo and Mr Tan are taking over the positions vacated by former PAP member Halimah Yacob, who resigned from the party and its central executive committee - and also as MP and Speaker - in August to run for President. She was elected unopposed in September.

In the statement issued by PAP organising secretary Chan Chun Sing, the committee expressed the PAP's appreciation to Madam Halimah for her service to the party.

Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will also step down as adviser to the PAP's senior wing, as he had requested.

The PAP thanked him for his "invaluable guidance and support" in the early years of PAP.SG, a seniors' advocacy group under the PAP.

Mrs Teo, 49, is seen as a rising member of the fourth generation of political leaders.

She was promoted to full minister on May 1, 2017, and is also Second Minister for Manpower and Home Affairs.

Mr Tan, 48, who is also in the central executive committee, stepped down as Minister for Social and Family Development last month to be elected Speaker of Parliament.