A politician has welcomed his new boss to the role, as his predecessor stepped down amid scandal.

Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden will be remaining as Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Ministry of Defence.

Sir Michael Fallon stepped down from his role of Secretary of Defence amid rumours of inappropriate behaviour last week.

He has since been replaced by Gavin Williamson MP who acted as the Chief Whip for the Conservative Party after Theresa May took over control of the party in July last year.

Mr Williamson had previously been criticised for keeping his pet tarantula Cronus in the House of Commons.

Mr Dowden said: “I welcome the appointment of Gavin Williamson as our new Defence Secretary.

“I’m also glad to say I will be continuing in my role as his Parliamentary Private Secretary.

“We have already had extensive meetings and I look forward to working with him.”

Mr Dowden was appointed to the role of Private Secretary in earlier this year.