Government Reshuffle

5 September 2012, 10:38 | Updated: 5 September 2012, 12:07

Three Hertfordshire MPs have been given new jobs as David Cameron reshuffles his government.

Hemel Hempstead MP Mike Penning was appointed Minister of State for Northern Ireland on Tuesday 4 September 2012.  It's a step up from his job as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, a role he has been in since 2010.

Welwyn and Hatfield MP Grant Shapps has been appointed the new chairman of the Conservative Party.

Hertfordshire North East MP Oliver Heald is the new Solicitor General, one of the government's chief legal advisors.

Mike Penning (left) says he's delighed at being promoted to his new role.  He served as a Grenadier Guardsman in Northern Ireland during the height of the troubles in the 1970s.
 
 He said: "I am looking forward to many new challenges at the Northern Ireland Office.
 
"With my roots, having served in the province in the 1970s, I will be helping to fulfil the Good Friday peace agreement.
 
"I have had a fantastic two and a half years at the Department for Transport and enjoyed my role immensely.  I am now very much looking forward to my new job and am keen to make a start."

Below: Grant Shapps (left) and Oliver Heald leave Downing Street on Tuesday 4 September 2012 after meeting David Cameron