DROITWICH Spa's MP has been promoted to assistant chief whip in an opposition re-shuffle.

Peter Luff has been given the new title, which has replaced the old one of pairing whip. Mr Luff's duties will include appointments to Commons committees, agreeing absences from the House for campaigning and other purposes, and representing the chief whip and deputy chief whip as necessary.

"I am delighted to have been promoted to this new role and I look forward to playing my part in shaping and strengthening our attack on the Labour government in the next Parliamentary year," said the local MP.

The Conservative chief whip is David Maclean and the deputy chief whip is Patrick McLoughlin.