A FORMER Ross-on-Wye man has been promoted to a top post by new Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith.

Eric Forth, who has been appointed shadow Leader of the House of Commons, lived in Merrivale Lane, Ross, when he was audit manager for Rank Xerox, Mitcheldean, in the late 1970s.

During his spell in the market town he took part in the activities of the local Conservative branch.