Mr Dorrell was born and educated in Worcester and belongs to a hugely successful local family business, the Faithful Group, makers of protective clothing.

Former Health Secretary Stephen Dorrell

He went to Sunnyside Primary School and Aymesytrey Preparatory School, before finishing his education at Uppingham School and Brasenose College, Oxford.

His political blooding came in Worcester, when he contested (and lost) St John's ward in 1974 at just 22.

Mr Dorrell won his way to Westminster in 1979, becoming the youngest Member of the Commons when he was elected MP for Loughborough. Despite the distance between Worcester and his constituency, Mr Dorrell has always remained faithful to his roots and the home he shares with his wife and children.

In 1987 his career finally took off when Lady Thatcher, in a move which amazed colleagues, decided to harness his clear talents by making him a junior whip. He rose through the whips office until 1990 when he was moved sideways to become a junior minister at the Health Department, after the 1992 election he was made Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

The former Health Secretary, stepped down from the Opposition frontbenchers at the beginning of June 1998, which marked the end of more than 10 years in power and a year as Shadow Education and Employment spokesman.