The MP for Wickford and Rayleigh has been appointed as shadow minister for defence. 

Mark Francois has been named as the shadow minister for defence as part of Kemi Badenoch's new Tory cabinet. 

The appointment today came as Mrs Badenoch, the MP for North West Essex, has said she will "win back the trust of the public as she revealed her new cabinet.

The MP beat Robert Jenrick to the top spot in a tense leadership election on Saturday. 

Mark Francois - New shadow minister for defence Mark Francois - New shadow minister for defence (Image: Laurie Noble)

Mr Francois has previously served as minister of state for the armed forces from 2013 to 2016 under Tory Prime Minister David Cameron and as minister of state for defence personnel, welfare and veterans. 

The news follows the appointment of Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris to the role of chief whip in the new cabinet. 

While in university, Mr Francois served as a member of the territorial army, leaving in 1989.

Mr Francois' father, Reginald Francois, was a D-day veteran, where he served as a minesweeper. 

Mrs Badenoch said: “I am delighted to have appointed my shadow cabinet, which draws on the talents of people from across the Conservative Party, based on meritocracy and with a breadth of experience and perspective, just as I promised during the campaign.

“Our party’s problems will only be solved with a team effort, and I am confident my shadow cabinet ministers will deliver effective opposition as we seek to win back the trust of the public.

“We will now get to work holding Labour to account and rebuilding our party based on Conservative principles and values.

“The process of renewing our great party has now begun.”