PAUL Keetch is poised to take his place in history as one of the first Liberals in 80 years to speak from the opposition dispatch box in the Commons.

The Government is expected to award Liberal Democrats the privilege following their success in boosting their vote at the election in June.

And, as the party's defence spokesman, Mr Keetch would be one of the Lib Dems allowed to take on Cabinet ministers from the famous brown box.

Opposition box

At present, he must speak to Labour defence ministers from the other end of the chamber with only Tories allowed behind the opposition despatch box.

Not since the days of David Lloyd George 80 years ago has a Liberal party in opposition been awarded the privilege.

The move follows talks between Robin Cook, the Leader of the House, and the Liberal Democrats on changes to reflect the party's increased standing.

Back in June, Charles Kennedy's party gained six seats and won 18.2 per cent of the vote up from 17 per cent in the 1997 election.

The change could be made before the end of the year, after reports that Mr Cook had "no problem whatsoever" with it.