David Ruffley was today elected to the influential Executive of the 1922 Committee. This follows a vacancy created by the departure from the Committee by the Hon Nicholas Soames MP.

The 1922 Committee is the most powerful committee representing Conservative backbenchers in the House of Commons. It is an historic committee dating back to 1922. Members of the Executive, which David has now been elected to, are frequently referred to as 'the men in grey suits'. This is a reference to the influence they have over leadership contests and the constitution of the Conservative Party nationally.

David said: 'It is a very great honour to be elected to this most historic and influential body. We will be looking at the changes to the leadership rules which caused such turmoil two years ago with Iain Duncan Smith's election. In addition, a main part of my job will be to represent MPs' opinions to Michael Howard, our Leader. I want to reflect independent opinion among Conservative backbench MPs like myself. I am especially delighted that my backbench colleagues have such faith in me that they elected me to this position.'