Financial secretary to Treasury's new cabinet post is sign that George Osborne remains influential in ministerial selection

This article is more than 6 years old

This article is more than 6 years old

Sajid Javid, the Muslim son of a bus driver, has been appointed as culture secretary, replacing Maria Miller.

The appointment leaves the cabinet with only three women.

Currently financial secretary to the Treasury, Javid's selection is a reflection of the high regard with which he is held in Downing Street, but is also another sign that George Osborne remains influential in the appointment of ministers.

It had been thought that Miller, who resigned on Wednesday after telling David Cameron her continued presence in the cabinet would be a distraction to the government's work, would be replaced by a woman, such asElizabeth Truss, the education minister, or Esther McVey, the work and pensions minister.

But Javid's background and ethnicity may be seen as enough of a nod to those wanting to see the class and cultural make-up of the cabinet remade. He is the first new intake from the 2010 election to reach the cabinet.

Nicky Morgan is stepping up from her role as economic secretary to the Treasury to replace Javid, the prime minister said.

Andrea Leadsom takes over as new economic secretary to the Treasury. The South Northamptonshire MP came into parliament in May 2010 after a 25-year career in banking and finance.

Cameron has already drawn criticism for splitting Miller's old role as minister for women and equalities, handing the women portfolio to Morgan, and equalities to Javid.

It was suggested