Balfron old boy’s top job

The Tories’ new chief whip in Westminster was born in Stirling.

Julian Smith’s promotion follows the resignation of defence secretary Michael Fallon on Tuesday.

He has represented the Yorkshire constituency of Skipton and Ripon since 2010.

The 46- year- old depute chief whip moved up to chief whip after his boss Gavin Williamson was promoted by Theresa May to defence secretary on Thursday.

Mr Smith was educated at Balfron High School before attending Millfield School in Somerset and Birmingham University where he studied English and History.

Before entering parliament he was an entrepreneur and set up executive recruitment firm Arq International in 1999.