Witham's MP has been promoted into a junior ministerial position in David Cameron’s reshuffle of his front bench.

It was announced today that Conservative’s Priti Patel was appointed exchequer secretary as part of the Prime Minister’s shake-up of his cabinet ahead of the next general election.

Ms Patel, who won her seat in the town in 2010, will work alongside chancellor George Osborne in the treasury team dealing with tax policy.

Mr Osborne tweeted her: “Very warm welcome to Priti Patel @priti4witham who joins treasury team as exchequer secretary - strong addition to our excellent HMT team.”

Braintree MP Brooks Newmark was also promoted in the reshuffle and was appointed as parliamentary secretary at the cabinet office.

Graham Butland, leader of Braintree Council, offered his congratulations to both MPs and said it was "a good day for the Braintree district".

More in this week's Braintree and Witham Times, out on Thursday.