HALESOWEN and Rowley Regis MP James Morris has been given a new role as part of Theresa May’s shake-up of Conservative headquarters (CCHQ).

The Prime Minister has appointed Mr Morris to the role of vice chairman for training and development in a move to modernise the party following the general election.

The shake-up follow an internal review of the Tories’ election performance by former cabinet minister Sir Eric Pickles, which recommended changes to attract more young people and ethnic minority voters to join and support the party.

Mr Morris said: “I am very pleased to have accepted the Prime Minister’s offer to become a vice-chairman of the Conservative Party responsible for training and development.

“Part of this role will be ensuring that Conservative activists across the country are equipped with the skills they need to represent their communities.

“It is important that the Conservative Party has a strong presence in every community across the United Kingdom and campaigns on the issues that are important to them.”

He added: “I will be trying to meet as many activists and campaigners as possible to see what works best, and seeing what we can do as a party to broaden our reach.”

As well as Mr Morris, Mrs May promoted women, ethnic minorities and 2017 intake MPs lower down the ranks at CCHQ in response to an apparent surge in support for Labour among young people.

Halesowen Labour group chairman Councillor Ian Cooper, who was his party’s representative against Mr Morris in the 2017 election, said: “I congratulate James on his new role.

“But I do hope his new responsibilities don’t distract him from helping the people of his constituency – especially the crisis in the NHS and the under-funding for our Halesowen schools.”