Universities Minister Michelle Donelan has been named as the new Education Secretary following a mass of resignations.

Ms Donelan is to replace Nadhim Zahawi following his promotion to Chancellor after Rishi Sunak stood down from the position, Downing Street has confirmed.

The news comes after Boris Johnson appointed Steve Barclay to replace Sajid Javid as the Health Secretary.

The resignations came after the PM was forced into a humiliating apology over his handling of the Chris Pincher row after it emerged he had forgotten about being told of previous allegations of “inappropriate” conduct.

Bournemouth Echo: Michelle Donelan arrives at 10 Downing Street, London, following the resignation of two senior cabinet ministers. Credit: PAMichelle Donelan arrives at 10 Downing Street, London, following the resignation of two senior cabinet ministers. Credit: PA

Following the news, Conservative MP Lucy Allan responded to her appointment on social media. 

Replying to the official UK Prime Minister account, the Telford MP wrote: "Seriously?," suggesting her disbelief at Donelan filling the position.

Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid resign from Health Secretary and Chancellor roles

Mr Pincher quit as deputy chief whip last week following claims that he groped two men at a private members’ club.

Boris Johnson admitted “it was a mistake” to give scandal-hit former deputy chief whip Chris Pincher his government role and said: “I apologise for it.”

See the full list of the MPs that have resigned so far this evening in our explainer here.

READ MORE: See how Boris Johnson reacted to Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid's resignation

READ MORE: Who has resigned under Boris Johnson? See the full list

Who is Michelle Donelan: the new Education Secretary?

Michelle Donelan, before her new role, served as Minister of State for Universities since 2020.

Ms Donelan is also a member of the Conservative Party, she has been a Member of Parliament (MP) for Chippenham since 2015.

Before that she worked as a Government Whip (Lord Commissioner of HM Treasury) from July 29, 2019 to February 13, 2020.

Donelan also covered Kemi Badenoch MP as unpaid Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Education September 4, 2019 to February 13, 2020.

You can read more about her career vai the UK Government website.