Milburn is seen as a leading Blairite

The former health secretary was seen as a leading Blairite and tipped by some as a future Labour leader.

One of the prime minister's most energetic ministers, he was regarded in Westminster he was regarded as highly ambitious.

There had been speculation that he wanted to leave the health department and move to a new role within the cabinet.

But he has quit the government saying he was finding it difficult to balance his political work with raising a young family - he has two sons - in the north east.

The MP said he had discussed the situation with his partner Ruth over the last 12 months.

Mr Milburn was born on 27 January 1958 and educated at John Marlay School, Newcastle, and Stokesley comprehensive in Cleveland, before going to read history at Lancaster University.

ALAN MILBURN Born 1958 in Birmingham Educated at John Morley School, Newcastle and Stokesley Comprehensive Graduated in history from Lancaster university Co-ordinator at Trade Union Studies Information Centre Business development officer, North Tyneside Council 1990-92 MP for Darlington 1992 Opposition treasury spokesman Chief Secretary to the Treasury 1998 Secretary of State for Health 1999

Raised by a single mother, he cut his political teeth by fighting for shipbuilding and steel jobs on Tyneside and a raft of other campaigns.

He worked in a Marxist bookshop called Days of Hope for �20 a week and was a CND activist.

He ran the campaign to save Sunderland's shipyards and is a past president of the Union for Manufacturing, Science and Finance in the North East.

Trusted

Mr Milburn decided to join the Labour Party in 1983, becoming MP for Darlington in 1992 after a career in trade unionism and local government.

Mr Milburn in his days as a young radical

He rose swiftly once Labour came to power in 1997, first as a health minister, and was one of Tony Blair's most highly trusted ministers, having been promoted to become health secretary following Frank Dobson's resignation in 1999.

He had moved into that position after working alongside Gordon Brown as chief secretary to the Treasury.

And he had a bruising battle with Mr Brown over the controversial foundation hospitals plan.

The chancellor opposed the moves and Tony Blair had to intervene in the clash between him and Mr Milburn.

And the health secretary took a lot of flak over the proposals, acting as a barrier between Mr Blair and the criticism.

'Passion and humour'

There is concern in the Labour rank and file that the foundation hospital proposals will create a two-tier health service.

But his "true passion" for the NHS and his "special blend of vision, passion and humour" was hailed on Thursday by Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents health service managers.

"The NHS will miss his powerful support and advocacy," she said.