Berwick MP Anne-Marie Trevelyan appointed Minister of State for the Armed Forces in Boris Johnson's new Government

She has been appointed Minister of State for the Armed Forces in Boris Johnson’s new Government, having previously held the position of Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence.

Mrs Trevelyan, who supported Mr Johnson in his leadership campaign last summer, said: "The Prime Minister has asked me to take on the role of Minister of State for the Armed Forces, and it was a tremendous honour to accept.

“Our Armed Forces are the best in the world, and I look forward to playing my part in supporting them in my new role, alongside my work for the people of north Northumberland in Parliament."

The role gives her responsibility for armed forces activity including operations, operational legal matters, force generation and international defence engagement.

Mrs Trevelyan increased her majority to nearly 15,000 in last Thursday’s election, securing 23,947 votes to retain the seat for the Conservatives.

Labour’s Trish Williams took second spot with 9,112 votes, with Lib Dem Tom Hancock third on 7,656 and Green candidate Thomas Stewart fourth with 1,394.

Mrs Trevelyan, who has now enjoyed three election successes in the space of four years, said: “It is an incredible honour that the people of the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency have put their faith in me once again and sent me to Parliament to act and vote on their behalf.

“We have a lot to do, but we now have a Parliament and Government determined to get Brexit done, and with a passion for a renewed north east.

“All across the country and especially here in the north east, voters sent a clear message that they were tired of Labour taking them for granted, and they wanted to get Brexit done so we can focus on our priorities of the NHS, education and infrastructure – and that is what we are going to do!”

Mrs Trevelyan was first elected in 2015 with a majority of 4,914 after long-serving Lib Dem MP Alan Beith, now Lord Beith, stood down. She increased her majority to 11,781 at the 2017 election with Labour taking second place and now has a majority of 14,835.