KINVER'S MP Gavin Williamson has been appointed by the Queen as a Privy Counsellor in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The Privy Council, a formal body of advisers to the Queen, comprises mostly senior politicians who are or have been members of the House of Commons or the House of Lords.

After taking the oath, Counsellors are referred to as the ‘Right Honourable’ for the rest of their lives.

South Staffordshire MP Mr Williamson, who had previously been Prime Minister David Cameron's Parliamentary Private Secretary since October 2013, said finding out he was being appointed as a Privy Counsellor was a "wonderful surprise" and he added: "It was such an honour and privilege to go to Buckingham Palace and take the oath in front of Her Majesty and I look forward to being involved with the Privy Council in the future.”

The new role means Mr Williamson will be given access to some of the country’s most confidential information.