BURNHAM-on-Sea MP James Heappey has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary for Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Mr Heappey and Alex Burghart, MP for Brentwood and Ongar, will be Mr Johnson's Parliamentary Private Secretaries.

Speaking after his appointment, Mr Heappey, said: "I am honoured that the Prime Minister has asked me to be his PPS at this pivotal time for our country.

"It will be fascinating to attend cabinet and work in Number 10 but much more importantly, I’ve vital work to do helping colleagues from across the house to share their views with our PM and to understand his plans for the country’s future.

"The PM grew up in Somerset and my co-PPS Alex Burghart was educated here too.

"So it will be great to have Somerset’s voice at the heart of Government and I look forward to working with ministers across Whitehall to deliver for the Wells constituency”