A RESHUFFLE of the shadow cabinet has led to west Wilts MP Dr Andrew Murrison taking an unexpected seat on the opposition front bench.

While Melksham MP Michael Ancram probably expected to keep his role as shadow foreign secretary, Dr Murrison admitted he was surprised at the offer of a junior minister role, serving under shadow health and education secretary Tim Yeo.

Stressing his priority would always be west Wiltshire constituents, Dr Murrison said he would use his background in medicine to make a go of his new role.

"I think I will feel comfortable in the role and I hope I can contribute drawing on my past experience as a doctor," he said.

"The important thing will be delivering. We have seen a great deal of money channelled towards health in this country, however the criticism my constituents make is they don't see very much of the money on the ground."

Vowing to help fight for west Wiltshire's community hospitals he said: "My priority is to be a good constituent MP.

"I have never been overburdened with ambition so I certainly have not been going out of my way to be promoted these past two-and-a-half years. It came as a pleasant surprise."

Mr Ancram takes on the role of deputy leader in addition to his shadow ministerial position.