KEIGHLEY MP Kris Hopkins has been appointed minister for local government.

The former housing minister was given the new role in Prime Minister David Cameron's reshuffle.

Mr Hopkins – a one-time leader of Bradford Council – will also have responsibility for adult social care, community pubs and planning policy relating to wind farms and solar energy.

He said: "I am honoured that the Prime Minister has shown continued faith in me by appointing me to the new role.

“Having been a local councillor representing my home ward of Worth Valley for 12 years prior to being elected to parliament, it is particularly exciting to be made minister for local government, a policy area that I retain a deep affection for.

“So too adult social care, as we work as a nation to address the challenges that come with looking after a population that is living longer than ever before and the increased costs which come with this.

“And, as someone who loves nothing more than visiting my local pub, I greatly welcome the opportunity to work with brewers, landlords and patrons to support community pubs which are so important to so many cities, towns and villages and which support many thousands of jobs across the country.

“It is an exciting and intriguing new role and one I am very much looking forward to undertaking.”