JOHN Glen has been handed a ministerial post after seven years as Salisbury's Conservative MP.

Mr Glen, 43, was today named Minister for Arts in Prime Minister Theresa May's latest reshuffle.

It is understood his role will cover arts, heritage and tourism, covering libraries, galleries, national museums and theaters, among other responsibilities.

The position became available when Rob Wilson, former minister for civil society, lost his seat at the general election last week.

But Mr Glen says his new role will be more similar to that of former culture minister Ed Vaizey.

He said: "It's a fantastic job. I'm absolutely delighted and somewhat surprised. It's wonderful."

This is Mr Glen's first ministerial post, having previously served as Parliamentary Private Secretary to three secretaries of state: Eric Pickles when he was Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government; Business Secretary Sajid Javid, and Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond.