Putin promotes Ivanov to 1st deputy PM

MOSCOW, Feb 15 (Reuters) Russian President Vladimir Putin today promoted Sergei Ivanov, widely regarded as a leading contender to succeed him next year, to the rank of first deputy prime minister.

Ivanov's promotion from deputy premier puts him on a par with Dmitry Medvedev -- another potential presidential candidate. He will gain new economic responsibilities but gives up his defence portfolio.

''We agreed with the Prime Minister to expand the sphere of responsibilities of Sergei Ivanov ... he will be coordinating part of the civilian sector of the economy,'' Putin told a televised government meeting.

The new minister of defence will be Anatoly Serdyukov, the former head of the government's tax service Reuters SSC DB220