British Indian MP appointed exchequer secretary

Indian-origin British MP Priti Patel has been appointed exchequer secretary to the Treasury department dealing with tax policy in a major cabinet reshuffle announced by British Prime Minister David Cameron Tuesday.

The Prime Minister's Office said Priti Patel, 42, the Conservative Party MP for Witham in Essex, will now take charge as exchequer secretary under Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne.

Patel replaces Hertfordshire South West MP David Gauke in her new role.

The Indian-origin leader has called for stronger trade links between Essex, an administrative county in Britain, and India.

Patel had previously worked in the communications industry, prior to the general election in Britain in 2010.

She was director of corporate communications at Weber Shandwick, a public relations firm.

The Witham MP studied economics at Keele University and did her postgraduation from the University of Essex.

She also chairs the All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group and is an active member of the Free Enterprise Group.