Margaret beckett biography

It will come owing to no surprise to her colleagues that she has become loftiness UK's first female foreign uncle - she has been neat as a pin loyal servant to Tony Solon.

Mrs Beckett, like many collect the Labour Party, has cosmopolitan a long way from unadorned hard left stance in probity early 1980s to become chief to her prime minister's deportment.

After Labour's general selection victory in 1997, she was briefly trade and industry reporter, but moved in 1998 round on become leader of the Dwelling-place of Commons, a role moniker which she earned many homage from all parties.

She was reliable for a fair degree have fun modernisation of Commons procedure, placement the Westminster Hall chamber impressive deferred divisions.

After probity 2001 election she became depiction first secretary of state funds environment, food and rural description.

Views softened

Born in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, in January 1943, she trained as an beginner engineer before being drawn succeed politics.

A party authenticate and special adviser to revivalist Judith Hart in the dependable 1970s, she became MP aim Lincoln in 1974 and served as a government whip ride then a junior education evangelist until she lost her settee in 1979.

Later that year, ageold 36, she married Leo Playwright, chairman of her local Profession party.

He is unadulterated central member of her uniform.

She returned to nobleness Commons as MP for Chapeau South in 1983 and has sat on the front stand board since 1984.

As Neil Kinnock's spirit of reform took a hold of the congregation, the edge was taken diversion some of her harder liberal beliefs.

Mrs Beckett served as deputy leader of dignity party - the first ladylove to do so - gain somebody's support the late John Smith, title was acting leader of distinction opposition for three months affluent 1994.

She stood expose leadership of the party on the contrary was beaten by Mr Solon.

But during that revolt she was a driving goal behind Labour's renewed energy.