The government department which oversees media policy is to get its third boss in the space of little over a year after new Prime Minister Theresa May wielded the axe in her reshuffle.

John Whittingdale, who was appointed as secretary for culture, media and sport following the Tories’ May 2015 election victory, was among seven ministers who were either sacked or resigned in the shake-up.

His job goes to Karen Bradley, left, who is promoted to the Cabinet after previously serving as one of Mrs May’s junior ministers at the Home Office.

She will inherit the political hot potato of Mr Whittingdale’s controversial review of the BBC, which is still due to be completed.

Mr Whittingdale’s appointment, after a decade as chair of the Commons culture, media and sport select committee, had been viewed at the time as a “declaration of war” on the corporation by the government.

He later faced questions asked about his suitability to decide issues relating to press regulation after revelations about his relationship with a sex worker.

Ms Bradley has been MP for Staffordshire Moorlands since 2010 and was appointed to her first ministerial job at the Home Office in 2014.

Her responsibilities in the role have included tacking modern slavery, organised crime and abuse and exploitation.