Theresa May has made a surprising choice to replace Dominic Raab in the all-important role of Brexit Secretary: Stephen Barclay, who has been serving a junior health minister since January.

Barclay, who voted to leave the European Union, has never served in Cabinet before. But it appears May has found a loyalist to helm the Department for Exiting the EU, as Barclay has never rebelled against the government in parliamentary votes.

Elected to parliament in 2010, Barclay has also held the post of Economic Secretary to the Treasury. He was a director at Barclays bank before beginning his political career.

What it means: While Barclay supported the campaign to leave the European Union, the appointment of such an inexperienced Brexit Secretary will do little to appease pro-Brexit MPs angered by the diminishing importance of the position.

Barclay's role will be limited to the domestic delivery of Britain's withdrawal from the EU, the Press Association reported, while Theresa May takes sole control of negotiations with the bloc.