Cameron confirms top posts in new cabinet

Tory heavyweights George Osborne, Theresa May, Michael Fallon and Philip Hammond re-appointed to their roles within hours of election victory

Re-elected UK Prime Minister David Cameron has re-appointed four senior Conservative MPs as the first members of his new Cabinet.

George Osborne will retain his role as Chancellor, and will also be the First Secretary of State - the ranking Cabinet Minister in the Government and the equivalent to Deputy Prime Minister.

Reappointing his closest cabinet ally as chancellor and promoting him to the position of first secretary of state could be viewed as an Osborne's anointment as Cameron's natural successor.

The chancellor will step into the shoes of his mentor William Hague as Cameron’s deputy, which will see the chancellor play a key role in the prime minister’s renegotiation of Britain’s EU membership terms.

On Thursday, the Conservatives confounded expectations to win an outright majority in an extraordinary election, which claimed the scalps of three party leaders within minutes. In aftermath of what can be described as a bloodbath, Labour leader Ed Miliband, Liberal Democrat leader and former deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and UKIP leader Nigel Farage all stood down.

Theresa May also confirmed on Twitter that she had agreed to remain as Home Secretary. Arriving back at the Home Office, she said: "We have achieved a lot over the last five years in the Home Office. But there is more to do and I am keen to get on and do it."

Philip Hammond, 59, was re-appointed to his role as Foreign Secretary. He was appointed to the role in July last year when he replaced William Hague.

Michael Fallon, 62, also returned to his post as Defence Secretary.

Cameron is expected to reveal the rest of his Cabinet on Monday, with more junior posts being announced later next week.

After the 2010 election, he had to make room for five Lib Dem MPs in his Cabinet, as well as a dozen or more in junior ministerial posts.