Another Tory MP from the North East has been given a new job as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak continues the shakeup of his new Government.

Richard Holden last night announced he had been appointed in a new minister role in the Department for Transport.

Working as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (PPS), his appointment comes after three further Conservative MPs were given jobs this week.

Those in PPS roles act as assistants to a minister of a specific Government department and are expected to be the "eyes and ears" of that minister in the Commons.

Read more: Three more North East Tory MPs secure jobs in Rishi Sunak's government

Mr Holden previously held a role as PPS, but for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, joining in February this year.

The Northern Echo: Richard Holden Picture: PARichard Holden Picture: PA (Image: Richard Holden Picture: PA)

In a brief statement, he said: "Honoured to have been appointed a Minister at Department for Transport.

"Having served as PPS at the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and briefly at transport and Department for International Trade, this is a step up but one I'm really looking forward to."

Read more: Rishi Sunak: What Northallerton residents think as MP gets Prime Minister role

He went on to offer assurances to his North West Durham constituents that he will "continue" to serve them as their MP.

He added: "North West Durham constituents will continue, as ever, to receive the same full-tilt service."

His appointment was congratulated by other Tory MPs including Anna Firth, who described him as a "great appointment."

On Friday, The Northern Echo reported that three more North East Tory MPs had been given jobs in Rishi Sunak’s new government.

Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake was given his first ministerial job as a junior business minister after supporting his constituency neighbour Mr Sunak to be the next Tory leader.

Hexham MP Guy Opperman was reappointed as a minister at the Department for Work and Pensions, after resigning in the Summer over Boris Johnson’s leadership before making a temporary comeback, and then being kicked out by Liz Truss.

And earlier, Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison kept her job as Levelling Up Minister, but now under Michael Gove’s leadership.

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