Shapps promoted to party co-chairman

Many in the mortgage industry have criticised Shapps for failing to boost house building during his two years in office and suggesting headline-grabbing initiatives including "mates mortgages" and longer term fixed rates.

Prisk, MP for Hertford and Stortford, is a former chartered surveyor and is married to Lesley Titcomb, acting chief operating officer at the Financial Services Authority.

Read industry reaction to his appointment tomorrow.