WITHAM MP Priti Patel has controversially regained a role on the international stage just months after resigning after a series of secret meetings with Israeli ministers were uncovered.

Ms Patel was ordered back to the UK as International Development Secretary and resigned, with many predicting had she not then Prime Minister Theresa May would have fired her.

But instead of a spell in the wilderness she was chosen, by fellow Conservatives, as a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

Rather than spend some time as a constituency MP and on the back benches, she is understood to have put herself forward for the role.

The committee examines the work of Britain’s foreign policy and the work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Ms Patel was forced to stand down as International Development Secretary in November after holding a series of secret meetings while on a “family holiday”.

Ms Patel held 12 undisclosed meetings with Israeli politicians.

It later emerged she held a further two meetings, which she failed to disclose to the Prime Minister during their first meeting over the issue.

She apologised and, in a statement, confirmed she will remain a constituency MP.

Speaking about her appointment to the committee, Ms Patel said: “I am delighted to have been elected by my colleagues to be a member of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

“It is a great privilege to hold this position in Parliament examining Government policy and holding ministers to account.”

“With Britain leaving the EU and our role in the world changing, I want to see our country make the most of the new opportunities.”