Norfolk MP Chloe Smith will return to the backbenches after three years as a minister after stepping down from her cabinet office post.

The Norwich North MP, who wrote to the prime minister to tender her resignation last month, will give up her role as part of a ministerial reshuffle expected tomorrow.

She said: 'I am proud to have served my country in this way but my constituents have always come first for me. They know the high standards and the hard work that I ask of myself as their MP.

'I was only 27 when I was lucky enough to be elected to Parliament and I want to use this experience to communicate with a new generation of younger voters about public participation and the Conservative message.

'As an elected Conservative Member of Parliament the Prime Minister and my party have my full support as we continue to fix the economy, reward hard work and do the right thing for Britain.'