North Shropshire MP Paterson out in cabinet reshuffle

The 58-year-old, a member of Mr Cameron's inner circle since 2010, was sacked as Environment Secretary.

He will be replaced by Liz Truss, a 38-year-old Oxford graduate and Norfolk MP, who has been seen as a rising female star within the Conservative Party.

The North Shropshire MP was among those to leave their posts as the Prime Minister prepared to bring in new faces ahead of next year's general election.

It was confirmed today that Nicky Morgan has been moved from the Treasury to replace Michael Gove as Education Secretary. She remains minister for women and equalities.

Mr Gove is to become Commons Chief Whip with an "enhanced role in campaigning and doing broadcast media interviews".

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is to become Foreign Secretary to replace William Hague, who has resigned and will leave Westminster at the general election.

Mr Paterson had pleased farmers with his support of them over the badger cull, but had angered animal welfare groups.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which he oversaw, also came under fire for its handling of the winter floods. It is believed Mr Paterson lost his post despite furious lobbying of the Prime Minister by supporters in Westminster yesterday in a last-ditch bid to get him to change his mind.

A succession of ministers were today seen arriving at Downing Street for brief conversations with Mr Cameron as he prepared his new team.

Mr Paterson was seen leaving the Prime Minister's office - but when asked about the reshuffle, he said only: "Busy day at Defra." He today said he would be making a statement later.

The news of his sacking was welcomed by wildlife and conservation groups opposed to the badger cull. However other political commentators felt the move was a bad one for Mr Cameron as he was a man who new about the complexities of farming issues.

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