Penny Mordaunt has been appointed Britain's new International Development Secretary following the resignation of the International Development Aid Secretary Priti Patel last night. 

The resignation followed revelations that the minister had held an unauthorised meeting with Israeli officials during a family holiday. 

It is the second time in a week that British Prime Minister Theresa May finds herself replacing a member of her government team.

Last week, defence secretary Michael Fallon resigned citing his personal conduct.

Ms Mordaunt, the minister for the disabled, campaigned for Brexit in the EU referendum and her appointment will maintain the balance between Leavers and Remainers in the Cabinet.

Ms Mordaunt made no comment to reporters as she left Downing Street following her meeting with Mrs May to head to her new department.

For Labour, shadow international development secretary Kate Osamor said: "The new Secretary of State faces an immediate challenge of restoring integrity to British international development policy after the actions of Priti Patel.

"That means she must unequivocally commit to the spirit, as well as the letter, of Britain's pledge to spend 0.7% of national income on international development, and face down those in her party who want to merge DfID into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

"Unlike Priti Patel, who too often used the department to prop up her personal networks and leadership ambitions, Mordaunt must also quickly commit to the central cause of the department: to help the world's poorest."

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Liberal Democrat deputy leader Jo Swinson also called on Ms Mordaunt to distance herself from her predecessor.

"Development aid is vital to saving lives, removing people from abject poverty, and improving the lives of others across the globe. The UK should be proud of the role we play.

"Having an International Development Secretary who does not dismiss the entire concept of international aid must be the first qualification for the job.

"Penny Mordaunt must immediately distance herself from her predecessor in this regard."

Home Office minister Sarah Newton has been promoted to take Ms Mordaunt's place at the Department for Work and Pensions.

Victoria Atkins, who entered Parliament in 2015, joins the government for the first time as a new Home Office minister.