Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier said he was “bitterly disappointed” to lose his International Trade Minister’s job following a cabinet reshuffle by the Prime Minister.

It was announced today (January 9) that the 53-year-old was one of a number of ministers being relieved of their roles to make way for younger blood as part of Theresa May’s shake-up of her front bench.

This news comes two weeks after he was cleared of breaching the ministerial code following sex toy revelations that came to light in October.

In December, Mr Garnier told the Shuttle he was relieved with the outcome of the inquiry and was looking forward to carry on representing Wyre Forest constituents and the trade role he had held for 18 months.

Downing Street said the scandal had no bearing on the decision to axe Mr Garnier from the role.

He told the Shuttle: “Obviously I’m bitterly disappointed. It was a fabulous job but there is no harm in being on the substitutes’ bench from time to time.

“I spoke to the Prime Minister this morning and she confirmed it was nothing to do with the revelations from last year. The inquiry came up with a clean bill of health and this decision is about promoting fresh talent.

“The Government also has to be representative of the 65 million people we serve and reflect that in the cabinet, setting an example for other organisations to follow.

“The trade job was extremely rewarding and fulfilling job and I have adored every minute of the last 18 months.

“But one happy consequence from this is that I get to return to focusing 100 per cent on representing the people of Wyre Forest.

“Being trade minister was an incredible honour but it also took up a lot of time. Being a constituency MP is rewarding and I remain committed to the role.”

Mr Garnier had also tweeted he will continue to support Mrs May and the Government from the backbenches.

In October, the Mail on Sunday reported that Mr Garnier had sent his then PA Caroline Edmondson out to buy two toys from a sex shop in Soho. She also claimed he had called her “sugart**s” in front of witnesses in a bar.

But Mr Garnier had insisted the events had been taken out of the context in which they occurred and stressed that he hadn’t pressurised his former aide into doing anything.