Politics latest news: David Cameron’s return shows Tories are ‘strong and united’, says new party chairman

Richard Holden said he will ensure the Conservative Party is “fighting fit” for the next general election campaign. 

The new Tory chairman, who also serves as a minister without portfolio, told Times Radio this morning: “My extra role obviously is as party chairman as well, to ensure that the party is fighting fit for the general election campaign, making sure that we get the best candidates possible, selected right across the country…” 

The new chairman of the Conservative Party claimed the return of Lord Cameron to the political front line demonstrated how “strong and united” the Tories are. 

Richard Holden, who replaced Greg Hands as chairman at Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet reshuffle yesterday, said the appointment of Lord Cameron as Foreign Secretary was a “shock to everybody”. 

But he described it as a “really welcome surprise”. 

Speaking to Times Radio this morning, Mr Holden said: “A bit like everybody else I was sat watching the telly and then I saw David Cameron emerge and I was watching, I think it was Sky or something… and there was that sort of 10 second gap when nobody quite believed it really. 

“I think it was quite a shock to everybody. Traditionally in politics things are difficult to keep quiet but this one was a real shock to everybody and a really welcome surprise as well to have somebody with that much experience returning to the front line of British politics, showing just what a strong and united party we are across the country.”