Ex-Croydon Central MP Gavin Barwell will become the new chief of staff at Downing Street, two days after losing his seat at Thursday’s general election.
He will replace former advisers Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, who both resigned earlier today after the Conservatives fell short of an overall majority.
Mr Barwell, who saw his majority of 165 overturned by Labour’s Sarah Jones, said he was thrilled at the appointment.
He said: “I voted for Theresa May to become Prime Minister.
“I believe she is the best person to heal the divisions in our country that last year’s referendum and the General Election have laid bare, getting the best Brexit deal for the whole country and leading us towards a brighter future outside the EU.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve as her chief of staff.”
The announcement comes as Theresa May attempts to finalise her own cabinet after reaching a ‘confidence and supply’ voting agreement with the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland.
The Conservatives lost 13 seats at the election on June 8, with Labour picking up 30 and the Liberal Democrats increasing their number of MPs by four.
The Tories had a torrid night in south west London, with five MPs losing their seats.
In addition to Mr Barwell, Battersea’s Jane Ellison and Kensington’s Victoria Borwick saw Labour candidates overcome hefty majorities.
Meanwhile, former Lib Dem cabinet ministers Vince Cable and Ed Davey won back their seats in Twickenham and Kingston & Surbiton.
In one bright area for the Conservatives, Zac Goldsmith won back Richmond Park, beating Sarah Olney by 45 votes.
