READING West MP Alok Sharma has been promoted to Secretary of State for Business amid Boris Johnson's cabinet reshuffle today (February 13).

The Prime Minister is carrying out his first major reshuffle since being elected in December, and Mr Sharma, who was previously Secretary of State for International Development, will be replacing Andrea Leadsom to be in charge of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

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He will also be minister for UN climate change conference COP26, which will be taking place in Glasgow in November. 

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A Number 10 source said: "The Prime Minister wants this reshuffle to set the foundations for government now and in the future.

"He wants to promote a generation of talent that will be promoted further in the coming years."

Taking to Twitter, Mr Sharma announced he was 'delighted' with the appointment.

He said: "Delighted to be appointed as Secretary of State for @beisgovuk and minister for @COP26.

"Looking forward to an exciting year ahead."