THE man who fought West Devon and Torridge for the Conservatives at the general election has been appointed the party's constituency parliamentary spokesman.
Barrister Geoffrey Cox, 41, was confirmed in the post at a meeting of the Conservative Association in Okehampton.
It came eight months after he made a bid for the seat held by Liberal Democrat John Burnett. Mr Cox polled 40 per cent of the vote and was just under 2,000 votes behind Mr Burnett. The MP's majority was down but both he and Mr Cox increased their parties' share of the vote.
Constituency chairman James McInnes said: 'After Geoffrey's excellent result in the general election, I am very pleased he has accepted this appointment.
'After living in the constituency for nearly two years, Geoffrey and his wife, Jeanie, have sold their house in London and bought one in the area. Their two sons attend local schools.'
Mr Cox said he 'was delighted and honoured' to be made Conservative spokesman for the constituency.
'I look forward to building on the momentum started during the general election last June,' he added.
The appointment puts Mr Cox in a strong posaition to represent the Tories at the next election.
The party's full selection process will be held at a future date when other candidates may enter the race.