Inside Liz Kendall's former romance with Midlands comedian

The Work and Pensions Secretary separated from the star in 2015

Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has been thrust into the limelight as Labour confirmed cuts to the welfare budget today.

Ms Kendall set out new plans in the Commons, describing how the current social security system was 'failing the very people it is supposed to help and holding our country back'.

The Leicester West MP - a contender for the Labour leadership in 2015 - used to be in a relationship with Midland comedian Greg Davies.

She was with the Taskmaster and Inbetweeners star for several years but they split a few weeks before the 2015 General Election.

Ms Kendall previously told the Mirror : "I am not going to be the sort of politician who does all that stuff about their private life.

"It’s very precious to me and really important I have that space that’s personal and just to me."

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She added: "We are not together any more but we remain really good friends."

Davies is best known for playing headteacher Mr Gilbert in Channel 4's The Inbetweeners and hosting comedy game show Taskmaster.

The 56-year-old was born in Wales but grew up in Wem, Shropshire.

He previously told The Times an ex-girlfriend convinced him to switch from a teacher to a career in comedy, explaining: "I've been doing comedy for about 15 years now.

"I always wanted to do it, I just never had thick enough skin.

"A girlfriend I had while teaching was a pragmatist and always told me that if you want to do something then go for it.

"So eventually I made the switch. Comedy is definitely where I'm happiest."