A senior Conservative minister born in Ipswich has been promoted in the prime minister’s cabinet reshuffle.

David Gauke, who was chief secretary to the treasury, has been appointed the new work and pensions secretary by Theresa May this afternoon.

Mr Gauke, who is widely regarded as one of the Government’s most effective performers, was called in to 10 Downing Street along with many other Tory MPs.

Following the news of his promotion, Mr Gauke smiled and thanked reporters as he left Number 10.

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss has been appointed as chief secretary to the treasury.

Mrs Truss was previously justice secretary and lord chancellor, and political commentators say the move could be viewed as a demotion.

Elsewhere in the reshuffle, Greg Clark has been reappointed as business secretary, Liam Fox has been reappointed as Secretary of State for International Trade and Damian Green is the first secretary of state, in effect, deputy prime minister.