Philip Hammond, MP for Runnymede and Weybridge, has been appointed Foreign Secretary as part of the cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Hammond, who was previously Defence Secretary, was confirmed as William Hague’s replacement within the Government's cabinet after the former Conservative leader stood down last night.

Roles within the Foreign Secretary’s remit include relations with foreign countries, matters of the Commonwealth of Nations and the overseas territories and the promotion of British interests abroad.

The Foreign Secretary also has responsibility for MI6 and Government communications headquarters.

Prior to his appointment as Foreign Secretary, Mr Hammond served as secretary of state for transport from May 2010 to October 2011 and Defence Secretary from October 2011 to July 2014.

Councillor John O’Reilly, leader of Elmbridge Council, said: "Philip is an excellent MP and it is excellent news.

"I think he is a very good constituency MP and he keeps in touch with Elmbridge Council despite obviously being in a very high power job.

"He is a very, very able minister and was an excellent transport and defence secretary and will be a great foreign secretary.

"I am sure everybody in Runnymede and Weybridge and Esher and Walton will be very pleased for him."

Mr Hammond takes on his new role with immediate effect.