FOREST of Dean MP Mark Harper has been replaced as the government’s chief whip as part of the new Prime Minister’s cabinet reshuffle.

This morning Prime Minister’s Theresa May appointed Gavin Williamson, the MP for South Staffordshire to the post.

Mr Harper subsequently confirmed on his Twitter account that he was not taking up another position in the government having had two roles as minister for Disabled People and the Immigration minister since 2012.He said: “I have decided to leave the Government and return to the backbenches.

"I’ll continue to loyally support Her Majesty’s Government and Theresa May as our new Prime Minister."

Mr Harper was appointed to the role of Chief Whip, following the Conservatives’ election victory in May 2015.

In April of this year John Rentoul a political heavyweight columnist for the Independent predicted that Mr Harper will become leader of the Conservative party and lead the party to a landslide victory in the 2020 general election.