A WORCESTERSHIRE MP has been returned to a key political position unopposed for the seventh consecutive year.

West Worcestershire’s long-serving MP Sir Michael Spicer will continue in his position as chairman of the Conservative party in Parliament – better known as the 1922 Committee – for another year after no opponent came forward from within the party.

The 1922 Committee is a group consisting of all backbench Conservative MPs which meets every week to provide them with the opportunity to have their views heard by frontbenchers.

Sir Michael is the 17th chairman of the committee since its formation following the 1922 general election. He has held the position since 2001.

He said: “It really is a great honour once again not to be opposed for the chairmanship of the Conservative party in Parliament.

“Since being first elected to the position in 2001, this is the seventh occasion on which I have been unopposed. The morale of the Conservative parliamentary party is very high.

“The months ahead will be very busy ones for me helping to prepare the party for office after the general election, which must be called within the next 18 months.”

Sir Michael has been a Worcestershire MP for the past 34 years.

He won Sir Gerald Nabarro’s South Worcestershire seat in 1974 – the year there were two general elections – but he intends to retire at the next election.