James Cleverly has been appointed chairman of the Conservative Party.

The Braintree politician is one of a number of MPs to have been promoted in Boris Johnson's new Government.

Mr Cleverly joins Priti Patel in a new-look cabinet after the Witham MP was appointed Home Secretary last night.

Mr Cleverly, who served as deputy chairman of the party before becoming a Brexit minister, will succeed Brandon Lewis who has been appointed Minister of State for the Home Department. 

As well as his role as chairman, Mr Cleverly will also serve in the cabinet as minister without portfolio. 

Mr Johnson has wasted little time in making his mark since officialy becoming Prime Minister yesterday afternoon. 

A vast cabinet overhaul has seen Ms Patel return to the cabinet, less than two years after she was resigned as International Development Secretary after it emerged she had held secret meetings with senior officials in Israel. 

After accepting her new role at number 10 last night, Ms Patel said: "It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be asked to serve in the new administration formed by Boris Johnson as a member of his Cabinet.

Braintree and Witham Times: Priti Patel and Brandon Lewis heading to Boris Johnson's first cabinet meeting. Picture by Aaron Chown/PA Priti Patel and Brandon Lewis heading to Boris Johnson's first cabinet meeting. Picture by Aaron Chown/PA

"Boris brings an enormous amount of energy to the role and his message of optimism and hope means our country now has a fresh start.

“There is a strong team in Government who believe in Britain and are working with Boris to deliver Brexit and unify our country. Work is also taking place on developing and implementing an exciting domestic policy programme to give our country a more prosperous future.

“While being a member of the Cabinet is a great honour, I will continue to be a strong voice for everyone in the Witham constituency, supporting local communities and helping my constituents with the individual challenges and problems they face.

"I will also continue to campaign for the infrastructure improvements the East of England needs to support economic growth, job creation and new opportunities for families and businesses.”