North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson would serve in David Cameron's Government
Owen Paterson has said he would "obviously" be prepared to serve in David Cameron's new Government – but called for the Prime Minister to be given time to push through his reforms.
Mr Paterson, who was axed as Environment Secretary by Mr Cameron during a cabinet reshuffle last summer, called on the Prime Minister to push for a new arrangement with the European Union to get a better deal for Britain, and suggested that Scotland should become responsible for raising the money it spends.
The North Shropshire MP, who was comfortably re-elected with a 16,500 majority, described the Tories' election triumph as a "real victory for Conservatism".
When pushed on whether he would wish to serve in Mr Cameron's Government on Sky News, Mr Paterson said: "That is entirely down to Mr Cameron. I have been re-elected here, and I'm delighted to say this part of the world is all-blue for the first time since 1970.
"Obviously I'm here to serve if required – we all want this Government to succeed.We have got rid of the ball and chain of the Lib Dems and we need to crack on.
"We have to resolve boundary reform, English votes for Englush laws and make the Scots feel welcome.
"Scotland cannot treat England like some sort of piggy bank that can be raided. I think we should give the Scots responsibility – I want to see them raising the money they spend."
On Europe, he said: "I think we need to give David Cameron the time and space to push ahead with what he can get through negotiation. But the 27 partners in Europe will have seen a resounding statement form the British people to back the Prime Minister's programme, and he will got there with a real mandate."
Mr Cameron has also added further names to his new Cabinet over the weekend. Michael Gove has made a dramatic return to the top of government as Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, replacing Chris Grayling who becomes Leader of the House of Commons.
The Prime Minister also confirmed Nicky Morgan in her post as Education Secretary, in what is being described as a "huge vote of confidence" in her performance.
Meanwhile 17 people were arrested following clashes with police during an unplanned anti-austerity protest close to Downing Street.
Officers in riot gear clashed with a "minority" of protesters who threw objects during the rally on Saturday. Four police officers and a police staff member were injured, according to the Met Police.
A police investigation is also under way after graffiti was daubed on a war memorial.
