PROMINENT Conservative Party member Philip Smith, from Churt, has taken up his place in the House of Lords after being nominated as life peer in this year’s Dissolution of Parliament honours list, which appeared in September.

Ennobled as Lord Smith, of Hindhead, he is the Association of Conservative Clubs’ chief executive having joined the staff in 1987.

Writing on the ACC website he said: “This additional role to my work with the ACC on a professional basis and for the party on a voluntary one, is a huge privilege.

“I hope I shall be able to make a positive contribution in helping the party deliver its manifesto pledges by getting our legislation through the Lords and to working for many years to come in undertaking the vital role the upper house plays in the parliamentary process.”