An Oxfordshire MP has been elected chairman of the Commons Defence Committee.

Robert Courts, MP of Witney, was appointed after a single round of voting, receiving 249 votes out of the total 430 valid votes cast.

Conservative rivals and former ministers Mark Francois and Sarah Atherton received 142 votes and 39 votes respectively.

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Mr Courts replaces Tory MP Tobias Ellwood after he quit following backlash over comments that security in Afghanistan had "vastly improved" and "corruption was down" following the Taliban's return.

The newly elected chairman said: "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to serve the country and our Armed Forces at such a crucial time for our security.

“My thanks to all those colleagues who supported me and to Sarah Atherton and Mark Francois – deeply respected committee members – for a well-fought election.

“All around us, the world is becoming more challenging.

"As a consequence, our forces need more support, more investment, and more capacity, not less."

The result was announced a year to the day that Mr Courts first joined the committee.

He shook hands and exchanged a peck on the cheek with Ms Atherton in the Commons on hearing he had won the ballot.

The Witney MP added: “Our soldiers, sailors and airmen represent the best of our country.

“As chair, I will continue to advocate for the training and equipment they need to keep our country safe."