Gillian Shephard was moved in William Hague's first reshuffle (June 1998) to shadow John Prescott's huge Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

She succeeded Sir Norman Fowler, after spending the first year in opposition as shadow Leader of the House (to Ann Taylor).

She is likeable, hard-working and efficient .

Was one of the first of her 1987 intake to be promoted - to junior social security minister.

She supported John Major for leader in 1990. He moved her to the Treasury, then on to a series of cabinet posts: employment, agriculture, education, employment.

Her background as the Norfolk-based daughter of a cattle dealer, a schools inspector, with experience of local government and of dealing with the mentally ill and community care, fitted her well for her posts.