So who’s Shapps?

FIRST elected in 2005, Grant Shapps has lurked on the backbenches since quitting as a Government minister in October 2015.

Under David Cameron, he had served as housing minister, cabinet office minister and international development minister.

As party chairman, Shapps, 49, helped mastermind the Tories’ shock 2015 election victory.

But he was also caught up in the RoadTrip scandal when a scheme to bus young activists to key target seats was marred by claims of bullying and sexual behaviour.

He denied any wrongdoing but quit as a minister after party member Elliot Johnson killed himself.