MP Will Quince is promoted to the governmental table but insists he has no aspirations to climb the ladder

Tory Mr Quince, who was re-elected earlier this month, was appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Cabinet Office by Prime Minister Theresa May.

It means the former solicitor will assist Cabinet Office ministers such as First Secretary of State Damian Green.

Mr Quince said: "Being honest, it is the lowest rung of the ladder in terms of government jobs, but it is the first step.

"It is almost like an apprenticeship in governmental terms and the idea is it gives you an understanding of a government department."

The Cabinet Office is responsible for issues such as constitutional affairs and electoral reform but many other responsibilities also pass through it.

The MP added: "It is great to have the confidence of the Prime Minister and to be lucky enough to be one of my intake to have been promoted.

"I have always said I want to make sure Colchester has a seat at the top table of government and this is a sign that the town is being heard at high levels of Government."

When quizzed on his future plans in Government, he said: "There are two types of MP; ones who want to be something and ones who want to do something.

"I fall into the latter and a big priority for me is to ensure parents are entitled to statutory bereavement leave.

"If I can get stuff done as a backbencher, I am happy to continue to do that but if I can get more done as a minister, then all the better."

Mr Quince's proposals for all parents to be given the leave have been backed by both his own party and the Labour Party.

During House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy questions this week, Mr Quince raised the matter and was told by business minister Margot James: "I agree with him that bereaved parents should have the opportunity to grieve away from the workplace and we will seek to provide for that.

"I am willing to meet him to discuss further how we might make such provision."