New Middle East minister named as former Tory co-chair Amanda Milling

Former Conservative Party co-chair Amanda Milling is to replace James Cleverly as the Middle East Minister, the Foreign Office has confirmed.

In a confirmation of new ministerial positions after Boris Johnson’s latest reshuffle, it was announced that Milling, the current Minister for Asia, will also take up the Middle East brief.

Cleverly has been moved to the Minister of Europe and North America role and he has also been handed the brief to deputise for Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Milling has previously strongly defended Israel, including last December when criticism was raised over the designation of of six Palestinian NGOs as terrorist groups.

Milling said this issue was “a matter for the government of Israel” when responding to Labour MP Marsha De Cordova’s concern that Israel’s move represents “a clear attempt to silence the peaceful defence of Palestinians rights.”

Having won the Cannock Chase seat in Staffordshire in 2015, the Tory MP has revealed: “One of my first overseas visits as a parliamentarian was to Israel with the Conservative Friends of Israel.

“It was the first time I’d been, a real privilege, especially in terms of the digital and technology stuff. And the medical innovation. It was fascinating to see all aspects of the country.”

Before becoming an MP, Milling worked in market research, specialising in the financial services sector.