Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell has been appointed to a ministerial role in new Prime Minister Theresa May's government.

Mr Barwell, an MP since 2010, was appointed as Minister of State for Housing and Planning and Minister for London yesterday.

The Conservative MP posted on Twitter that he was “hugely honoured” to be asked to play the roles.

He said: “Hugely honoured to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve as Minister of State for Housing & Planning and Minister for London.

“Look forward to working with councils, housing associations, developers & investors to ensure we build the homes people need and deserve... and to working with the Mayor of London to ensure the continued success of our wonderful, diverse capital - and that all Londoners share in it.”

As housing and planning minster Mr Barwell will be responsible for planning policy, neighbourhood planning and will be the chief minister on the Housing Bill.

As Minister for London he will be responsible for informing MPs on the actions of the London Assembly.

Mr Barwell began life in politics as a councillor for Woodcote and Coulsdon West in 1998, before being appointed chief whip for the Croydon Conservative Group in 2006.

He was appointed to the position of assistant government whip in 2013 and promoted to government whip in 2014, but missed out on a ministerial position under David Cameron following last year's general election.

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