Former Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has been appointed as the new parliamentary chairman of Conservative Friends of Israel.

He replaces former Hertsmere MP James Clappison, who retired before the election.

Mr Pickles’s first visit to Israel was with CFI in 1994.

He said: “Israel is a bastion of democracy in the Middle East. There are many common ties between our two nations - culture, trade and technology.

“I am very much looking forward to building on the great work of my predecessors and strengthening the UK-Israeli friendship.”

Stuart Polak, CFI director, said the group was pleased to have “such an experienced and well-liked figure” in the role.

Mr Pickles, a former Conservative Party chairman, worked closely with the Jewish community during his role at the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Earlier this year he appeared at a special Board of Deputies meeting following the terror attacks in Paris, and had also been heavily involved in policies relating to Holocaust education and memorials in his previous role.