West Worcestershire MP Sir Michael Spicer has expressed his delight at being elected chairman of the Conservative Party's 1922 Committee.
"It is a great honour and a great responsibility," he said following his election to the powerful committee of backbench Tory MPs on Wednesday evening.
"It's extremely gratifying to be chosen by my fellow MPs, especially as I won a majority in the first ballot.
"I'm very grateful to the people of Worcestershire for re-electing me with an increased majority and giving me this opportunity."
The MP's first task will be to oversee the battle for the party leadership. He has already decided next Thursday, July 5, will be the closing date for nominations. The first ballot follows the Tuesday after.
Sir Michael will now play a key role in the reshaping of the Conservative party after its poor election showing.
He won the chairmanship by 13 votes ahead of Gillian Shepherd. John Butterfill was the other contender.
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