Eric Pickles is new Conservative Friends of Israel chairman

“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.