Rob Wilson has been reappointed as minister for civil society, the Cabinet Office said yesterday.

Wilson, the Conservative MP for Reading East, has served as minister for civil society since September last year.

Before the election he was responsible for launching the Access Foundation, a £105m programme to promote social investment.

He has outlined several pledges to increase youth social action, grow social investment and reduce red tape for smaller charities.

Over the weekend a petition urging him to resign was started after he suggested a constituent was a “bad loser” when she questioned him about homelessness in his constituency. It has received around 5,300 signatures.

He has also been embroiled in a public dispute with the chief constable of Thames Valley Police since becoming minister for civil society.

He was appointed following the resignation of Brooks Newmark, who was involved in a sexting scandal.

Also this week, Oliver Letwin has been appointed head of the Cabinet Office. Matt Hancock has been appointed minister of state for the Cabinet Office with responsibility for civil society.

Damian Hinds has been appointed exchequer secretary to the Treasury with responsibility for charity tax reliefs including gift aid. David Gauke has been reappointed as the financial secretary to the Treasury, with responsibility for VAT issues.