The move means a return of Sir James Cleverly to the Conservative front bench, replacing Mr Hollinrake as shadow housing secretary.
Sir James served in the foreign office and as home secretary when the Conservatives were in power.
He stood as a candidate in last year’s Conservative leadership election, but lost out on the Tory top job ahead of the final heat between Mrs Badenoch and her now shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick.
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Since the leadership contest, he had returned to the Tory back benches as the MP for Braintree.
Earlier today the Press Association says it is understood Mr Hollinrake will move to the role of party chairman, replacing Nigel Huddleston, who will become shadow culture secretary.
Mr Hollinrake also sought to stand for leadership of the Tories but did not gain enough support from MPs to qualify for the ballot. He then gave his support to Kemi Badenoch to lead the Conservatives.
Kemi Badenoch (Image: Pic supplied)
However, since Mrs Badenoch took over the leadership, the Ryedale MP has gained a much higher profile, with him regularly attacking Labour on matters as diverse as the economy, the A64, free speech, a planned Chinese embassy in London, as well as across his housing and local government brief.
On Sunday, Mr Hollinrake also ‘did the rounds’ of that day’s political programmes.
Last week, parliamentarians also declared the Ryedale MP ‘Beer Drinker of the Year.’
Mr Hollinrake said of his latest appointment: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed Chairman of the Conservative Party.
I want to pay tribute to my predecessors, Nigel Huddleston and Lord (Dominic) Johnson, whose dedication and hard work have laid the foundations for the future. Their efforts in navigating challenging times and advancing our Conservative cause will not be forgotten.”
His Facebook post continued: “Politics is about making a positive difference, but it’s also a communications business.
“As Chairman, my focus will be on working with our entire Conservative family – MPs, MSs, MSPs, councillors, activists, and members – towards one goal: electing more Conservatives at every level.
“We will champion the values and policies that matter to the public: aspiration, responsibility, opportunity and national pride.
“We will proudly promote Kemi Badenoch’s true Conservative agenda, combining these strong principles and values with sound financial discipline.”
The Thirsk and Malton MP added: “We will stay firmly rooted in the real concerns of the British people while avoiding easy slogans, unaffordable pledges or short-term gimmicks.
“The Conservatives are unashamedly on the side of Britain’s makers, people that work hard, do the right thing and want to get on in life.
“This is a time for unity, clarity, and ambition. Let’s get to work.”
Talking to the Press briefly just now before “having to go”, Mr Hollinrake confirmed it was “a great honour” to be party chairman.
“I’m a team player. I will do whatever I am asked to do, in the team spirit.”
But did he achieve much in Housing?
“It’s difficult to achieve stuff in opposition. We turned around the (Tory) Party’s perspective on housing, to be more pro-development , pro young people and getting them on the housing ladder.”
He also said he “challenged” deputy leader Angela Rayner on the Chinese Embassy issue and ‘Islamophobia.’
The Press Association also reports Stuart Andrew will become shadow health secretary, replacing Edward Argar, who resigned citing health reasons.
Further changes are expected to be confirmed later on Tuesday, and a Conservative source said earlier that they will “reflect the next stage of the party’s policy renewal programme and underline the unity of the party under new leadership”.
Allies of shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride believe he will remain in his post, while attention will be focused on whether Mrs Badenoch keeps Mr Jenrick in his current role.
The former leadership contender has strayed well beyond his justice brief, building a prominent social media presence with campaigns on a range of issues from tackling fare dodgers on the London Underground to the impact of immigration on housing.
