Mr Forth is known as leading regular ambushes of obscure government and parliamentary motions which would result in MPs having to sit in session well into the night.

Following the call for special adviser Jo Moore's resignation over an email she sent to colleagues on the day of the September 11 atrocities in the US, Mr Forth was accused of cynicism by Robin Cook, leader of the House. In the email Jo Moore said that it would be a good day to bury bad news. A memo leaked last week written by Mr Forth three days after the catastrophe promised 'trench warfare' against the government. He also proposed that the Tories let a few 'imperfectly scrutinised' bills through the Commons.

The Bromley and Chislehurst MP was educated at the University of Glasgow and was MEP for North Birmingham (1979-84).

Mr Forth has formerly served as a minister in both the Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of Education.

He was chairman of the European Democracy Group backbench committee (1979-83).

Mr Forth was Channel 4's Opposition Parliamentarian of the Year in 1999.