Russia’s parliament on Thursday approved a former tax chief as the country’s new prime minister the day after Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes, amid questions over his $10 million (£7.7m) property portfolio.

Mikhail Mishustin, 53, was voted in as Russia media and opposition politicians raised questions about his lavish property and his wife’s income.

Mr Mishustin was nominated for prime minister on Wednesday after Dmitry Medvedev, the outgoing premier, announced a surprise resignation, which he said was necessary to let Mr Putin see through the constitutional changes that he floated several hours earlier.

Mr Putin’s proposals, which focus on cutting the president’s powers, were widely seen as an indication that after 20 years in power he still intends to stay in charge but in a different job.

Before the vote, Mr Mishustin said in a speech in parliament that he would focus on cutting red tape and improving living standards during his tenure.