The Prime Minister has appointed Penny Mordaunt as the next Secretary of State for Defence, the first female to hold the appointment.

She replaces Gavin Williamson who was sacked after it was alleged that he leaked confidential information regarding Huawei.

Mordaunt has a family history in the armed forces as her father was in the parachute regiment, which she mentioned during her maiden speech to parliament.

The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP as Secretary of State for Defence. She will continue in her role as Minister for Women and Equalities. — Henry Zeffman (@hzeffman) May 1, 2019

Mordaunt is also a Royal Naval Reservist, serving as an acting sub-lieutenant, at HMS King Alfred on Whale Island.

She is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Arts, a member of the British Astronomical Association, and she is involved in many charities active in the Portsmouth area, including Southsea Greenhouse, Hilsea Lido, The Patey Centre, and Wymering Manor.

Mordaunt is a patron of the Victoria Cross Trust, as well as an ambassador for Portsmouth Scouts.