RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans has been appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Wales under the new leadership of Iain Duncan Smith.

Mr Evans, East Lancashire's only Tory MP, said it was a great honour.

He added: "I am delighted to accept this invitation to join the Shadow Cabinet under the new leader. I believe Iain Duncan Smith will ensure our public services are revitalised, taxpayers get better value for money and a better delivery of our public services."

The Conservative vice-chairman was speaking from Australia, where he is attending a Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.