Mr Mitchell was involved in the Government's reshuffle this week, moving from outgoing international development secretary at DfID to chief whip of the House of Commons, and parliamentary secretary to the Treasury.

Christian Aid Director Loretta Minghella praised his 'determination and courage' for keeping the Government's commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income on overseas aid.

She said, ' Andrew Mitchell has made a huge impact during his time at DFID. In incredibly difficult economic circumstances and despite strong pressure from some within his own party to balance the UK's books on the backs of the poorest, he has defended the aid budget with passion.

'But we have been and remain impatient to see the Government go further, especially in helping to end aid dependency.
'Aid alone will never end poverty, so we'd like to see DFID implement a credible exit strategy from aid.

'That would help poor countries generate their own resources, not least through more successful tax collection, including action against tax-dodging multinationals. This is what we will be pushing DFID on, in the months and years to come.'

Mr Mitchell is to be replaced by Justine Greening, the former transport secretary.

But the reaction to his 27 month tenure wasn't altogether positive.  Deborah Doane, director of anti-poverty group the World Development Movement, said UK aid policy took an 'alarming turn towards promoting the interests of business over the needs of the world's poorest people' on Mr Mitchell's watch.

'His admission last year that Britain's foreign aid programme to India was partly designed to sell Typhoon fighter jets clearly showed this shift,' explained Ms Doane.

'Justine Greening's previous support for tough climate change laws suggest a stronger commitment to justice than her predecessor.

'Her challenge will be to reverse the direction taken by Andrew Mitchell, and to ensure that aid is truly a contribution to global equity, not a business opportunity.'