Shadow chancellor of the exchequer Francis Maude is seeking his
first press officer to raise his profile and provide him with media
relations support on Treasury issues. Maude will be the only member of
the shadow cabinet apart from party leader William Hague to have a
dedicated press officer. The Conservative Party is also considering
boosting its two-strong regional press team with three extra officers
covering Wales, the Midlands and the South West as it prepares to fight
European parliament and Welsh assembly elections next June.