The former transport secretary was a firm supporter of Rishi Sunak during the Conservative Party leadership election in the summer and had briefly stood for the role himself. 

According to the BBC, Shapps said it was a "great honour" to be home secretary and praised the work of chancellor Jeremy Hunt. 

He reportedly said it had been a "turbulent time for the government", but added he was "looking forward to getting stuck into the role… regardless of what is happening in Westminster".

In a tweet, Shapps said: "An enormous honour and responsibility to be appointed home secretary. The security of the British people will always remain our first duty."

Former aviation and maritime minister Robert Courts described the move as an "outstanding appointment".

"I know [Shapps] will bring a detailed command of all aspects of his work and is a consummate communicator," he added.

Truss replaced Shapps as transport secretary with Marie-Anne Trevelyan last month.