CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride has been promoted to a senior ministerial post in Theresa May’s government after her cabinet reshuffle in the wake of the recent general election.

The Devon MP, who represents one of the largest constituencies in England and was re-elected with an increased share of the vote, has been appointed as Paymaster General and Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Mr Stride is now the third highest ranking minister in HM Treasury after the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

His role is one rung below the cabinet and includes responsibility for strategic oversight of the UK tax system including direct, indirect, business, property and personal taxation, corporate and small business taxation, European and international tax issues and the voluntary sector and gift aid.

His responsibilities also cover environment and transport taxation, women in the economy, North Sea oil, gas and shipping, customs policy, personal savings tax and pensions tax policy, departmental minister for HM Revenue and Customs and the Valuation Office Agency and the Government Actuary’s Department and parliamentary deputy on public spending issues.

Speaking after his appointment Mr Stride said: ‘I am delighted to be given the opportunity to serve in HM Treasury and look forward to helping deliver an economy that supports business especially the small companies that are the backbone of our local communities.’

One of Mr Stride’s immediate priorities will be to take a finance bill through parliament to clamp down on large corporate tax avoidance.