The new Defence Secretary must make the case for greater investment in defence, Prospect has warned.

Penny Mordaunt MP was appointed to the role on Wednesday night after Gavin Williamson was sacked following a high-profile leak from the National Security committee.

Prospect deputy general secretary Garry Graham labelled Williamson's attempt to pin the blame for the leak on civil servants a 'disgrace'.

He went on to say that the priority of the incoming secretary of state should be investing in the UK defence sector;

"We need a Defence Secretary whose focus is the importance of investing in the defence of the UK.

"Defence spending has reduced in real terms by more than £7.6bn since 2010 leading to thousands of skilled jobs being lost and eroding our sovereign capacity and capability."