Alan Howarth: In the backbenches

DCMS, which will be led by Tessa Jowell, also covers the National Lottery, export licensing of cultural goods, broadcasting (it oversees the BBC's licence fee settlement) film, press freedom and tourism.

Tessa Blackstone was previously minister of state for Education and Employment - with responsibility for the government's commitment to "lifelong learning".

She was educated at Ware Grammar School and the London School of Economics.

She went on to become a Life Peer in 1987 and since then has been Opposition spokeswoman in the Lords for Education and Science (1988-92); Treasury (1990-91); Trade and Industry (1992-97) and principal Opposition spokeswoman for foreign affairs (1992-97).

Between 1966 and 1975 she was a lecturer at the London School of Economics and in 1987 was appointed Master of Birkbeck College.

From 1987-91 she was Chairman of the BBC's General Advisory Council.

Her personal interests include ballet, cinema and opera.

She has served on the board of the Royal Opera House, was a trustee of the Architecture Foundation and governor of the Royal Ballet.

Baroness Blackstone has two grown up children and three grandchildren.