EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has hinted that she is disappointed not to get a post in David Cameron's new coalition cabinet.

Mrs Laing, who was previously a shadow justice minister, has seemingly been denied a role in the justice department after the Conservative Party joined forces with the Liberal Democrats to form a majority government.

The Liberal's leader in the House of Lords, Lord McNally, has instead been given a position in the ministry, it was confirmed at the weekend.

Speaking to the Guardian today as MPs returned to Parliament for the first time since the general election, Mrs Laing said: “We did not win the election, it's a coalition government and not a Conservative one.

“Nick Clegg has taken my responsibilities for constitutional reform so I guess that's one of the necessary outcomes of having a coalition government. That's politics for you.

“I'm not saying I'm not disappointed but it's the price you have to pay for a coalition government.”

She added: “But it is very good to see [new Conservative MP for Harlow] Robert Halfon and [Epping Forest councillor and new Tory MP for Basildon South] Stephen Metcalfe in parliament.”

Mrs Laing, who was re-elected earlier this month with an increased majority despite controversy over her expenses, added that she was keen to push for changes to planning laws in the new parliament, especially those concerning gypsy and traveller sites.

It comes in contrast to her counterpart in Ongar, Eric Pickles MP, who has been made secretary of state for Communities and Local Government.

Also speaking to the Guardian today, he said: “Obviously I'm very excited. It's a great honour.

“It is a subject I know about reasonably well...[The department] is going to play a very key part in the Big Society and the de-centralisation of power, with more power being given back to councils, parish councils and community groups.”