Tory spokesman woos under-30s

The Tory party is to appoint its first dedicated youth spokesman in a bid to "make it fashionable to be a Conservative", it was revealed today.

The party is hoping that the new spokesman, Charles Hendry, will change its pinstripe-suited reputation among young people. Only 10,000 of about 320,000 party members are under 30 and the Conservatives lost to Labour most severely in the 18-to-34 age group in the last election.

Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith will today use a speech to A-level students at Westminster to outline his plans for the new role.

Mr Hendry, Wealden MP and party whip, will be charged with listening to the views of the under-30s and voicing their concerns in Parliament.

The 42-year-old father of four has also hinted at tax breaks for young people in their first job who "immediately find a large proportion of their income is taken from them".

He said the Tories were now seen as "radical", while Labour represented the status quo, and even suggested holding a televised contest similar to Pop Idols so young people could vote for their favourite political spokesman.

"We can make it fashionable to be a Conservative", he promised.

Reversing flagging support among young people and making the party appear more inclusive are among Mr Duncan Smith's priorities.

Mr Hendry is being appointed after John Bercow, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, warned in a letter to Buckingham constituency members that the Tories were widely seen as " antiyouth" as well as racist, sexist and homophobic.