Yeo handed Tory health role

Tim Yeo has been named head of the Conservative Party's health team in a radical shake-up of the shadow cabinet by new leader Michael Howard.

Mr Yeo will take over as shadow health and education secretary, in a merged portfolio, with former shadow health secretary Dr Liam Fox becoming co-chair of the party.

With Mr Yeo's expanded remit, the role of shadow health minister has been handed to Andrew Lansley. Simon Burns - a member of the Commons health select committee - will continue as a junior health spokesman.

Mr Yeo served as parliamentary under-secretary at the Department of Health in 1992.