Praise for Theresa May as she becomes prime minister

The former Home Secretary replaced David Cameron at Downing Street.

Mrs May announced five key positions in her cabinet.

Philip Hammond becomes chancellor as incumbent George Osborne resigned.

Defence secretary Michael Fallon – who Portsmouth North MP Penny Mordaunt reports to as armed forces minister – stays in post.

No announcements were made about Ms Mordaunt’s position or other junior posts.

Amber Rudd has been made home secretary, succeeding Mrs May, while former mayor of London and Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson was made foreign secretary.

David Davis was put in charge of a new department negotiating Brexit.

Liam Fox has been appointed international trade secretary.

Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Michael Lane, who met with Mrs May in the run up to his own election earlier this year, welcomed her in the job.

He said: ‘I am delighted that our new prime minister is Theresa May, who was the outstanding candidate to take over at this critical time.

‘The highest priority of Government is the national security and defence of the people, and the complex world in which we live requires an experienced pair of hands at the helm.’

Announcements on ministerial jobs, including whether or not the minister for Portsmouth role will continue, are due to be made in coming days.