ERIC Pickles is one of few senior Tory MP’s to maintain their position on David Cameron’s cabinet.

The Brentwood and Ongar MP will continue as Secretary of State at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Mr Pickles tweeted just after 2pm today: “Just spoken to the PM I am very honoured to continue as Secretary of State at DCLG #reshuffle”

Michael Gove, William Hague and Ken Clarke are three of the biggest names to be dropped by the Prime Minister, as he reshuffles the Tory members of his cabinet ahead of next year’s General Election.

Female numbers in cabinet has been doubled to six so far out of a total of 23 ministers.