Norwich North MP Chloe Smith is back in government as secretary of state for science and innovation, despite announcing her intention to quit at the next election.

Ms Smith will be Norfolk's most senior member of parliament, as the only MP sitting in the cabinet.

Her appointment was announced as part of a mini-reshuffle sparked by the resignation of Dominic Raab as deputy prime minister following the publication of an inquiry into bullying allegations made against him.

Ms Smith will step in to cover for Michelle Donelan, while the cabinet member is on maternity leave.

The Norwich MP has been absent from government since October 2022, when she was sacked by Rishi Sunak in a reshuffle.

READ MORE: Chloe Smith to stand down at next election

She will join fellow Norfolk MP George Freeman in the department, who currently serves as minister of state for science, research and innovation.  

Offering his support for Ms Smith, Mr Freeman said: "Congratulations to my old friend Chloe Smith as our new secretary of state while Michelle Donelan is on maternity leave.

"Really look forward to welcoming you to and working with you at the new Start Up Department for science, innovation and technology."

Ms Smith has had a series of roles in government, most recently having served as work and pensions secretary from September 6 until October 25 last year. 

She has served in government under four previous prime ministers - David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. 

Ms Smith has already announced her intention to stand down at the next general election.