WANTAGE MP Ed Vaizey has been sacked from his role as Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries after six years.

In a tongue-in-cheek post on Twitter late on Friday night the MP for Wantage, Faringdon and Didcot tweeted: "Looking forward to supporting the government from the backbenches #vexit".

New Prime Minister Theresa May has replaced Mr Vaizey with MP for West Suffolk Matt Hancock.

Fans of Mr Vaizey shared their condolences on Twitter.

Radio presenter on LBC Iain Dale tweeted: "Sad to see @edvaizey leave the government. He did a tremendous job as Arts Minister. Should get free theatre tickets for life!"

Mr Vaizey also unusually chose to re-tweet several people who made it clear they were not so sad at his departure.

He re-posted a tweet from journalist Anjali Ewing who wrote: "@edvaizey Yes! Always thought you were an arrogant and oily so-and-so. Politicians should remember they are humble servants."

He also retweeted David Fay, from Newcastle, who said simply: "@edvaizey fantastic news. You've been a disgrace."