David Davis named Brexit Minister in Theresa May's new Cabinet

The former Europe Minister was once a political rival of David Cameron

Former Europe minister David Davis has been named Secretary of State for Leaving the European Union.

The arch-eurosceptic Conservative MP was one of the first in a handful of key appointments in Theresa May's new Cabinet unveiled on Wednesday evening.

Mr Davis was appointed to the newly created Cabinet position on the same day his once political rival David Cameron departed as Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron defeated Mr Davis in the final round of the previous Conservative leadership contest, which was held in 2005.

The appointment ends the MP's two-decade spell in the backbenches and his first government job this century.

His last job as Europe minister lasted from 1994 until 1997. In opposition he served as shadow home secretary and shadow deputy prime minister.

After his defeat in the Tory leadership contest he however remained on the backbenches while David Cameron led the Tory party.

One highlight of Mr Davis's recent career is his resignation as an MP in 2008 in protest of the erosion of civil liberties under Tony Blair's government.

Other appointments made by Theresa May this evening include Philip Hammond as Chancellor of the Exchequer, Liam Fox as Secretary of State for International Trade, and Amber Rudd as Home Secretary. Boris Johnson was appointed Foreign Secretary.