Theresa May put leading Brexit campaigner Boris Johnson in one of the key offices of state in a clear attempt to unify her party just hours after she moved into Number 10.

The new prime minister immediately formed a new-look government, ousting David Cameron's old friend George Osborne in favour of her own long-time ally Philip Hammond as Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Veteran Conservative David Davis - a long-time backer of Brexit - was installed in the newly created role of Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union. Mrs May will continue shaping her government today after making just a handful of appointments.

One of the most prominent female remain campaigners, Amber Rudd, will move into the home office in Mrs May's place. It is the first time that there have been two women in the main offices of state. Mrs May was expected to promote more of her female colleagues tomorrow.

The announcements came just hours after Britain's second female prime minister arrived at Number 10 declaring her administration would be driven not by the interests of 'the privileged few' but those of voters struggling with the pressures of modern life.

'I know you are working around the clock, I know you are doing your best and I know that sometimes life can be a struggle,' she told voters.

'The Government I lead will be driven not by the interests of the privileged few but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives.'

Mr Osborne, who has been in charge at the Treasury since 2010, said on Twitter: 'It's been a privilege to be Chancellor these last 6 yrs. Others will judge - I hope I've left the economy in a better state than I found it.'

Mrs May had made clear earlier this week that she believed there were shortcomings in the Government's economic record.

She also stressed her determination to preserve the Union between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the premier promised she would 'rise to the challenge' of negotiating exit from the European Union and forge a 'bold new positive role' for Britain in the world.

But her strongest message was of her intention to serve as a 'One Nation' Conservative PM acting on behalf of all voters, not just the Tories' traditional supporters in the comfortable suburbs and shires, and the world of business.

In a direct message to voters, she said: 'I know you are working around the clock, I know you are doing your best and I know that sometimes life can be a struggle.

'The Government I lead will be driven not by the interests of the privileged few but by yours. We will do everything we can to give you more control over your lives.'

Mr Hammond has risen to some of the highest offices in Government while leaving little trace in the public imagination.

His reputation - within Westminster at least - has been as a highly articulate and effective 'safe pair of hands' who can plough a steady course without causing drama, upset or excitement.

Despite being a permanent fixture in David Cameron's shadow frontbench team and Cabinet throughout his time as leader, he was rarely mentioned as a possible successor - and that is probably the way he liked it.

The Treasury has always been his goal, and he is understood to have been disappointed to miss out on the number two job there in 2010 when the necessities of coalition gave Liberal Democrats the Chief Secretary's post - a role he had shadowed for three years in opposition.