EPPING Forest MP Eleanor Laing has been given a new government role as special representative to Gibraltar for defence.

Mrs Laing's new job will see her liaising between Whitehall and officials in the British territory, which is located on the coast of southern Spain, on a range of security issues.

Announcing the appointment in the House of Commons, Armed Forces Minister Nick Harvey said: "The strategic defence and security review reaffirmed the importance of the permanent joint operating base in Gibraltar, which provides the armed forces with the ability to deploy force around the world and respond to changing strategic circumstances.

"Mrs Laing's role as special representative will be to work with the Government of Gibraltar, the Ministry of Defence and the Commander British Forces Gibraltar on a range of issues connected with the continued presence of the permanent joint operating base.

"She will also work closely with the Governor of Gibraltar, whose constitutional responsibilities include defence and internal security and external affairs."

Pundits had predicted early last year that the MP would secure a place in the Cabinet if the Conservatives were to win the May 2010 election.

But she was denied a role when the party went into coalition with the Liberal Democrats.

Mrs Laing has previously described herself as a "longstanding supporter" of Gibraltar and was the chair of the all-party parliamentary Gibraltar group.

She has resigned from this position in order to take up the new government post, which will require frequent trips to the territory.