Witham's MP did not rule out returning to Government during her first TV interview since resigning from her cabinet position

Appearing on ITV's Good Morning Britain, Priti Patel apologised for organising meetings with Israeli politicians without telling the Prime Minister, admitting her actions caused "difficulty" for the Government.

Speaking to presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid, Ms Patel denied there was any malice behind the meetings, but said in hindsight she should have told Theresa May.

She said: ""I take the view that, as a politician, we all know other politicians around the world. Whether you are abroad on business or even on holiday, I think it's remiss if you don't actually go and meet people who you know.

"That's what I did, there was no malice intended."

During the interview, Ms Patel expressed her support for Theresa May, saying she remained on "cordial" terms with the Prime Minister and was "absolutely not" envisaging her being forced out of office.

But she refused to rule out an eventual bid for Tory leadership, or indeed a return to the top table of Government in the future.

She said: "I haven't got a crystal ball. No-one knows what the future holds. Everything changes quite frequently. I don't know what tomorrow might bring."

Although she admitted however it was "a matter for the Prime Minister" whether she ever returned to Government.

"My contribution is no doubt through the back benches, speaking out for Brexit but also many of the other issues of the day as well," she said.

"I'm ambitious for our country, I want us to succeed, I want us to be that bright beacon of hope, a fantastic economy. I want to secure Britain's place in the world through Brexit, making my contribution through the backbenches, but being quite a robust MP as well."