KEIGHLEY MP Kris Hopkins has been appointed as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office by Prime Minister Theresa May.

He was previously a senior Government Whip and Vice-Chamberlain of Her Majesty’s Household, whose position has beel filled by Skipton and Ripon MP Julian Smith.

In the last Parliament, Mr Hopkins (pictured) served as Minister for Housing and then Minister for Local Government.

He said: “I was very honoured to accept the Prime Minister’s invitation to become a Northern Ireland Office Minister in the new Government.

"I am proud to have served in the Province as a member of the Armed Forces and, after entering Parliament, have had the opportunity to return.

“Since the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, huge political progress has been made but challenges still remain.

“I look forward to playing my part to build on the achievements and strive for more.”

Today Mr Smith tweeted his delight in being given a key promoted in the Government of new Prime Minister Theresa May.

He said: "Delighted to be appointed Vice Chamberlain & Government Whip working for Government Chief Whip @GWilliamsonMP &. @AnneMiltonMP #reshuffle.

Mr Smith became an MP in 2010 following a successful career as an entrepreneur.

In May 2015, he was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Skipton and Ripon, nearly doubling his majority and receiving the support of over half of those who voted. He also joined the Government as a Minister in the Whips’ Office. A key aspect of this role has been ensuring the Government follows through with its manifesto commitments.

As he states on his website, by convention, Whips do not speak in the House of Commons. However, he will continue to fight for Skipton and Ripon and speak up for our community in his meetings with Ministers and behind the scenes.