Former opposition Labour finance spokesman Ed Balls is to become the chairman of Norwich City, the struggling English Premier League club announced Sunday.

The 48-year-old, who lost his seat in parliament in the May general election, is taking up the non-executive role with immediate effect, the Canaries said.

Norwich fan Balls was born in eastern England's biggest city and wanted to play for the club.

"But the next best thing is to become chairman of Norwich City and do what I can off the pitch to help City succeed on the pitch," he said.

Norwich are 17th in the Premier League, having moved out of the relegation zone on December 19 with a 2-1 win at Manchester United, their first victory at Old Trafford since 1989.