Gavin Williamson: No to second snap election

Mr Williamson - Theresa May's enforcer in the Commons - said securing Britain's exit from the European Union was 'eminently doable' with talks set to get under way with Brussels in just nine days' time.

Asked if the Prime Minister would go back to the country following yesterday's shock result, in similar circumstances to 1974, he firmly said: "No."

The South Staffordshire MP added: "What is important now is to make sure we continue to deliver for the British people and get on with delivering Brexit because that's what the British people want and expect from the Government - and that is what we are going to do.

"I do not underestimate the challenge that faces us. I think delivering Brexit is eminently doable and I think we can look forward in a positive way to carry out what the British people demand of this Government."

Asked if the Conservatives' bruising performance in the election, which now sees the Tories needing the support of the Democratic Unionist Party to command a majority of MPs, would alter the party's approach to the Brexit negotiations, he said: "The type of Brexit the Government will be pursuing is one that is about controlling migration, our laws not being subject to the European Courts of Justice, and one where we can trade and have close partnerships with countries in the EU and the rest of the world so we can prosper."

The 40-year-old said he remained '100 per cent committed' to Theresa May and said a Cabinet reshuffle would take place after ministers Ben Gummer and Gavin Barwell lost their seats.

He said: "Absolutely I am 100 per cent behind the Prime Minister. We need to be getting on with the job. We need stability to ensure the financial markets don't go into meltdown with the fear of a Jeremy Corbyn government.

"Sadly, some ministers have lost their seats and those vacancies need to be filled, so there will be a reshuffle."

Nationally, the Tories won 42.4 per cent of the vote and Labour 40 per cent. Turnout was 68.7 per cent - the highest in 20 years.

In the Black Country, Eddie Hughes won Walsall North to oust veteran Labour MP David Winnick after 38 years but Tory Paul Uppal could not win Wolverhampton South West - the seat he lost to Labour in 2015.

Paying tribute to his colleagues who lost their seats, Mr Williamson said: "Obviously it is disappointing to have lost a number of fantastic and hard-working Members of Parliament.

"There were some brilliant results, such as winning Walsall North which we have not won for generations and Stoke South which we haven't won before.

"We also made significant gains in Scotland, which will be very important in keeping the United Kingdom together.

"Though it is fair to say we would have liked to have seen more seats gained but that is politics and we now must get on with the job."