George Freeman has joined the Government in a new life sciences ministerial role.

The Mid-Norfolk MP, who was the official advisor to David Cameron on life sciences until he resigned last year, will span both the Department for Health and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

He said he was 'hugely honoured' to be given the new job to drive 21st century health innovation.

David Cameron tweeted about the appointment about 2.30pm today, and Mr Freeman followed it up on the social media site withe the post: 'Hugely honoured to be given new 'Minister for Life Sciences' joint Minister role in Dept Health and BiS to drive 21stC Health Innovation.'

He joined parliament in 2010, when he was appointed parliamentary private secretary to the then minister for climate change, Greg Barker.

In his role as an advisor he developed the Government's Life Science Strategy, which was announced by the Prime Minister in 2011.