THANET North MP Roger Gale has been named as one of the two new vice-chairmen of the Conservative Party. He will serve under the new Party chairman, the Rt Hon David Davis, a defeated candidate in the Tory leadership contest.

Mr Gale said: "The full brief has yet to be determined but I expect to be involved in the selection of parliamentary candidates and also in presentation.

"I regard it as a particular honour to be asked to join the Central Office team. It will clearly involve a great deal of work, but if I can assist the new leader of the party in his endeavours to replace, at the next General Election, the present failing administration then it will be most worthwhile."

Mr Gale was first elected as North Thanet MP in 1983 and has held the seat ever since. His previous post include member of the Home Affairs select committee, broadcast select committee, parliamentary private secretary to two Defence Ministers and is currently a member oc the Speaker's panel of chairmen.