DUDLEY South MP Mike Wood has been appointed Parliamentary Private Secretary for the Department for International Trade.

The 41-year-old Conservative MP, who has battled back from life-threatening sepsis earlier this year, was re-elected to serve Dudley South in the June snap General Election and has now been appointed a member of the ministerial team in the department headed up by Secretary of State Liam Fox MP.

Mr Wood said he was delighted with the appointment which will involve working with ministers for international trade, supporting minsters with Brexit and encouraging businesses to export more.

But he stressed he will continue to spend time in the constituency on Fridays and Saturdays – and many Thursdays.