Brandon Lewis has been confirmed as the replacement for Bob Neill as parliamentary under secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Among the 2010 intake of new Conservative MPs, Mr Lewis, who represents Great Yarmouth, was previously leader of the Conservative group at Brentwood BC.  Under Lewis' leadership, the Conservatives took control of the authority in 2004 following 12 years of Liberal Democrat control.

During his time as council leader, Mr Lewis also co-hosted a radio show with constituency MP Eric Pickles, who as secretary of state at DCLG now becomes his boss.

A qualified barrister and businessman before entering Parliament, Mr Lewis had been an active member of a number of All Party Parliamentary Groups including, those for local government, greyhound racing and the film group.