Brexiteer Penny Mordaunt promoted to International Development Secretary

Penny Mordaunt leaving 10 Downing Street, London, after she was appointed as International Development Secretary following the resignation of Priti Patel. Picture: Rick Findler/PA Wire

Work and Pensions minister Penny Mordaunt has been appointed as the new International Development Secretary.

Ms Mordaunt, the minister for the disabled, has replaced Priti Patel following her resignation on Wednesday over unauthorised meetings with senior Israelis.

Like Ms Patel, she campaigned for Brexit in the EU referendum and her appointment will maintain the balance between Leavers and Remainers in the Cabinet.

Home Office minister Sarah Newton is promoted to take Ms Mordaunt's place at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Victoria Atkins, who entered Parliament in 2015, joins the Government for the first time as a new Home Office minister.