After holding the Northern Ireland portfolio in opposition Mowlam became secretary of state in 1997 - a post she held for three years, until she was replaced by Peter Mandelson in 2000.

While she was in charge the successful establishment of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 took place, but she was disliked by some unionist politicians who feared she favoured the nationalist community.

Blair moved her to the Cabinet Office where she ruffled a few feathers after admitting she had smoked cannabis as a student - while helping to set the government's policy to prosecute the war on drugs.

Another minister to complain that unnamed Labour sources have briefed against her, the 50-year-old Mowlam says she wants a change of career while she is still young enough.