The long-serving chairman of the Commons’ culture, media and sports committee has been put in charge of the department as David Cameron finalises his post-election reshuffle.

In a surprise appointment, John Whittingdale has been named as the new secretary of state for culture, media and sport.

He replaces Sajid Javid, who has been promoted to business secretary in Mr Cameron’s new-look Tory cabinet.

Mr Whittingdale shadowed the culture, media and sport brief under both Michael Howard and Ian Duncan Smith in the early 2000s, but stepped down from the frontbench in 2005.

His return, at the age of 55, will be warmly welcomed by some media industry leaders who viewed him as a key ally during the debate over press regulation.

It will, however, be viewed less positively at the BBC, of which Mr Whittingdale has been a notable critic.

Last October Mr Whittingdale he said the licence fee was “worse than the poll tax” and is “unsustainable” in the long term.

His appointment comes at a key time for the BBC as the Corporation’s royal charter which sets out its terms of business is set to be renewed next year.