The Government has announced that Steve Barclay has been appointed economic secretary.

NE Cambs MP Mr Barclay brings City experience to the role, having worked in financial regulation and crime prevention as a director of regulatory affairs.

He was later the head of anti-money laundering and sanctions at Barclays Bank.

A qualified solicitor he was a member of the Public Accounts Committee from 2010 to 2014 and is a Government whip.

The economic secretary role means he will be responsible for banking reform and regulation.

Other areas of the financial services brief including asset management, insurance, and the public stake in RBS.

Father of two Mr Barclay, 45 - a Leave supporter during the EU referendum - takes over from Simon Kirby, who lost his seat as an MP for Brighton Kemptown to Labour in last week’s election.

Mr Barclay said: “It is a great honour to be re-elected as the Member of Parliament for North East Cambridgeshire, and particularly to once again secure an increased share of the vote and achieve an increased majority.

“I look forward to returning to Parliament to speak up for our area, securing further investment for our schools, transport infrastructure and to localise more healthcare.

“A special thank you to my team of volunteers for their fantastic support throughout the election campaign.”

• A survey by Mr Barclay before the election showed that more than nine out of ten people locally felt immigration was too high and six out of ten supported using private providers for NHS services, as long as treatment remained free at the point of delivery.

A key issue locally was anti-social behaviour, including street drinking, anti-social tenants, and irresponsible driving.

Also top priority was securing improved opportunities for local students and apprentices, he said.

“It’s great news the Government has awarded £4.6m funding to the College of West Anglia to build a new teaching centre and upgrade existing facilities at the Isle Campus in Wisbech,” he said.