Third_Blair_ministry
Third Blair ministry
2005-2007 Government the United Kingdom
The third Blair ministry lasted from May 2005 to June 2007. The election on 5 May 2005 saw Labour win a historic third successive term in power, though their majority now stood at 66 seats – compared to 167 four years earlier – and they failed to gain any new seats. Blair had already declared that the new term in parliament would be his last.
This article is about the people in Tony Blair’s administration. For the events of Tony Blair's tenure as prime minister, see Premiership of Tony Blair.
Quick Facts Date formed, Date dissolved ...
Third Blair ministry | |
|---|---|
 Cabinet of the United Kingdom | |
| 2005–2007 | |
 Blair in 2007 | |
| Date formed | 6 May 2005 (2005-05-06) |
| Date dissolved | 27 June 2007 (2007-06-27) |
| People and organisations | |
| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Prime Minister | Tony Blair |
| Prime Minister's history | 1997–2007 |
| Deputy Prime Minister | John Prescott |
| Member party | |
| Status in legislature | Majority 356 / 647 (55%) |
| Opposition cabinet | |
| Opposition party | |
| Opposition leader |
|
| History | |
| Election(s) | 2005 general election |
| Legislature term(s) | 54th UK Parliament |
| Budget(s) | |
| Predecessor | Second Blair ministry |
| Successor | Brown ministry |
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The War in Afghanistan and the Iraq War continued during his last ministry, and the 7/7 bombings also took place. Blair's government responded by introducing a range of anti-terror legislation including the passing of the contentious Identity Cards Act 2006 legislation (repealed).[1][2] Blair announced in 2006 that he would resign as prime minister and Labour leader within a year. He resigned on 27 June 2007 and was succeeded by Gordon Brown, who had been his chancellor of the Exchequer since 1997.
More information Portfolio, Minister ...
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Changes
Further information: 2006 British cabinet reshuffle
- November 2005 – David Blunkett resigns his post as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions. He is replaced by John Hutton, leaving the post of Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster vacant for six months.
- May 2006 – Following a poor showing in the local council elections, Blair reshuffles his cabinet. Charles Clarke, Geoff Hoon and Ian McCartney leave the Cabinet. Jack Straw becomes Leader of the House of Commons and Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal. Margaret Beckett is promoted to Foreign Secretary, John Reid to Home Secretary, David Miliband to Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Des Browne to Secretary of State for Defence. Ruth Kelly takes a new post of Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, which replaces the post held by David Miliband and takes a number of responsibilities previously held by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister; Kelly will also serve as Minister for Women and Equality. Alan Johnson becomes Secretary of State for Education and Skills. Alistair Darling becomes Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Hilary Armstrong becomes Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Minister for Social Exclusion. Douglas Alexander enters the Cabinet as Secretary of State for Transport and Secretary of State for Scotland. Hazel Blears enters the Cabinet as Minister Without Portfolio and Party Chair, Stephen Timms as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and Jacqui Smith as Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Whip.
- May 2007 – The Home Office loses responsibility for criminal justice, prisons & probation and legal affairs which merges into the Department for Constitutional Affairs with Falconer becoming Secretary of State for Justice.
- June 2007 – On 27 June, Tony Blair officially tenders his resignation as Prime Minister to The Queen, with Deputy Prime Minister and First Secretary of State, John Prescott leaving office at the same time.
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Members of the Cabinet are in bold face.
Prime Minister, the Cabinet Office and non-Departmental ministers
More information Cabinet Office, Tony Blair ...
| Cabinet Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tony Blair | May 2005 – June 2007 | ||
| John Prescott | May 2005 – June 2007 | ||
| John Hutton | May 2005 – November 2005 | ||
| Jim Murphy (acting) | November 2005 – May 2006 | ||
| Hilary Armstrong | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Ian McCartney | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Hazel Blears | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
|
The Lord Falconer of Thoroton | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Jim Murphy | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Pat McFadden | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Ed Miliband | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
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Departments of state
More information Treasury, Gordon Brown ...
| Treasury | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor of the Exchequer | Gordon Brown | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Chief Secretary to the Treasury | Des Browne | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Stephen Timms | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Paymaster General | Dawn Primarolo | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Financial Secretary to the Treasury | John Healey | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Economic Secretary to the Treasury | Ivan Lewis | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Ed Balls | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
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More information Foreign Office, Jack Straw ...
| Foreign Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs | Jack Straw | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Margaret Beckett | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for the Middle East | Kim Howells | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Minister of State for Europe | Douglas Alexander | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Geoff Hoon | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister for Trade | Ian Pearson (jointly with Trade & Industry) | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Ian McCartney (jointly with Trade & Industry) | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary | Lord Triesman | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
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More information Home Office, Charles Clarke ...
| Home Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Secretary | Charles Clarke | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| John Reid | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Security, Policing and Community Safety | Hazel Blears | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Tony McNulty | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Immigration | Tony McNulty | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Liam Byrne | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister for Criminal Justice & Offender Management | Baroness Scotland of Asthal | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Correctional Services and Reducing Re-offending | Paul Goggins | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Race Equality, Community Policy and Civil Renewal | Fiona MacTaggart | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Anti-Drugs Co-ordination and Organised and International Crime | Andy Burnham | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Nationality, Citizenship and Immigration | Joan Ryan | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Drugs and Crime Reduction) | Vernon Coaker | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Prisons and Probation Services | Gerry Sutcliffe | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
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More information Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Margaret Beckett ...
| Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs | Margaret Beckett | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| David Miliband | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Climate Change and Environment | Elliot Morley | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Ian Pearson | June 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare | Ben Bradshaw | November 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Local Environment, Marine and Animal Welfare | Ben Bradshaw | May 2005 - November 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Rural Affairs, Landscape and Biodiversity | Jim Knight | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Barry Gardiner | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Sustainable Farming and Food | Lord Bach | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Lord Rooker | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (jointly with Constitutional Affairs) | Baroness Ashton of Upholland | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
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More information Defence, John Reid ...
| Defence | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Defence | John Reid | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Des Browne | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for the Armed Forces | Adam Ingram | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Minister for Defence Procurement | The Lord Drayson | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Minister for Veterans | Don Touhig | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Tom Watson | May 2006 - September 2006 | ||
| Derek Twigg | September 2006 - June 2007 | ||
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More information Education and Skills, Ruth Kelly ...
| Education and Skills | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Education and Skills | Ruth Kelly | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Alan Johnson | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Schools and Learners | Jacqui Smith | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Jim Knight | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Higher Education | Bill Rammell | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families | Maria Eagle | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Parmjit Dhanda | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Minister for Children (United Kingdom) | Beverley Hughes | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills | Phil Hope | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools | Lord Adonis | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
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More information Health, Patricia Hewitt ...
| Health | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Health | Patricia Hewitt | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Minister of State for Health | Jane Kennedy | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Andy Burnham | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Health Services | Rosie Winterton | May 2005- June 2007 | |
| Minister for Public Health | Caroline Flint | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Minister of State for NHS Delivery | Lord Warner | May 2005 - January 2007 | |
| Lord Hunt of Kings Heath | January 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services | Liam Byrne | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Ivan Lewis | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
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More information Work and Pensions, David Blunkett ...
| Work and Pensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Work and Pensions | David Blunkett | May 2005 – November 2005 | |
| John Hutton | November 2005 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Pensions | Stephen Timms | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| James Purnell | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Employment & Welfare Reform | Margaret Hodge | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Jim Murphy | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Disabled People | Anne McGuire | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | James Plaskitt | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Lord Hunt of Kings Heath | May 2005 - January 2007 | |
| Lord McKenzie of Luton | January 2007 - June 2007 | ||
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More information Culture, Media and Sport, Tessa Jowell (also Minister for Women May 2005 -May 2006) ...
| Culture, Media and Sport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport | Tessa Jowell (also Minister for Women May 2005 -May 2006) | May 2005 – 28 June 2007 | |
| Minister of State for Culture (Arts & Heritage) | David Lammy | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Minister for Sport and Olympics | Richard Caborn | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Creative Industries & Tourism | James Purnell | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Shaun Woodward | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
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More information Transport, Alistair Darling ...
| Transport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Transport | Alistair Darling | May 2005 – May 2006 | |
| Douglas Alexander | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Transport | Stephen Ladyman | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Karen Buck | May 2005 - March 2006 | |
| Gillian Merron | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Derek Twigg | May 2005 - September 2006 | ||
| Tom Harris | September 2006 - June 2007 | ||
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More information International Development, Hilary Benn ...
| International Development | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for International Development | Hilary Benn | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Gareth Thomas | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
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More information Communities and Local Government (from May 2006), Ruth Kelly (also Minister for Women) ...
| Communities and Local Government (from May 2006) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government | Ruth Kelly (also Minister for Women) | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Minister of State for Housing and Planning | Yvette Cooper | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Minister of State | Phil Woolas | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Fire Services | Baroness Smith of Basildon | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women & Equalities | Meg Munn | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Baroness Andrews | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
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More information Department for Constitutional Affairs, Lord Falconer of Thoroton ...
| Department for Constitutional Affairs | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs | Lord Falconer of Thoroton | May 2005 - May 2007 | |
| Minister of State | Harriet Harman | May 2005 - May 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Bridget Prentice | May 2005 - May 2007 | |
| Baroness Ashton of Upholland (jointly with DEFRA from May 2006) | May 2005 - May 2007 | ||
| Vera Baird | May 2006 - May 2007 | ||
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More information Justice, Lord Falconer of Thoroton ...
| Justice | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Justice | Lord Falconer of Thoroton | May 2007 - June 2007 | |
| Minister of State | Harriet Harman | May 2007 - June 2007 | |
| David Hanson | May 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Baroness Ashton of Upholland | May 2007 - June 2007 | |
| Gerry Sutcliffe | May 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| Bridget Prentice | May 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| Vera Baird | May 2007 - June 2007 | ||
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More information Department for Trade and Industry, Alan Johnson ...
| Department for Trade and Industry | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Trade and Industry President of the Board of Trade | Alan Johnson | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Alistair Darling | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Energy | Malcolm Wicks | May 2005 - November 2006 | |
| Minister of State for Science & Innovation | Malcolm Wicks | November 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Minister of State for Industry & the Regions | Alun Michael | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Margaret Hodge | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Minister of State for Trade | Ian Pearson (jointly with FCO) | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Ian McCartney (jointly with FCO) | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Science & Innovation | Lord Sainsbury of Turville | May 2005 - November 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Energy | Lord Truscott | November 2006 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Employment Relations & Consumer Affairs | Gerry Sutcliffe | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Competitiveness | Barry Gardiner | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women & Equality | Meg Munn | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Minister for London | Jim Fitzpatrick | May 2006 - June 2007 | |
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More information Northern Ireland Office, Peter Hain ...
| Northern Ireland Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Northern Ireland | Peter Hain | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Minister of State | David Hanson | May 2005 - May 2007 | |
| Paul Goggins | May 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| Lord Rooker | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Shaun Woodward | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Baroness Smith of Basildon | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Maria Eagle | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Paul Goggins | May 2006 - May 2007 | ||
| David Cairns (jointly with Scotland Office) | May 2006 - May 2007 | ||
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More information Scotland Office, Alistair Darling ...
| Scotland Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Scotland | Alistair Darling | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Douglas Alexander | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | David Cairns (jointly with Northern Ireland Office May 2006 - May 2007) | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
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More information Wales Office, Peter Hain ...
| Wales Office | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Secretary of State for Wales | Peter Hain | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Nick Ainger | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
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More information Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott ...
| Office of the Deputy Prime Minister | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deputy Prime Minister, Secretary of State for Local Government and the Regions, First Secretary of State | John Prescott | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Minister for Housing and Planning | Yvette Cooper | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Minister of State for Local Government | Phil Woolas | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Minister of State for Communities and Local Government | David Miliband | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State | Baroness Andrews | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Minister for London | Jim Fitzpatrick | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
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Law officers
More information Law Officers, The Lord Goldsmith ...
| Law Officers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney General for England and Wales | The Lord Goldsmith | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Solicitor General for England and Wales | Mike O'Brien | May 2005 – June 2007 | |
| Advocate General for Scotland | Baroness Clark of Calton | May 2005 - January 2006 | |
| Lord Davidson of Glen Cova | March 2006 - June 2007 | ||
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Parliament
More information Parliament, Geoff Hoon ...
| Parliament | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Hoon | May 2005 – May 2006 | ||
| Jack Straw | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Deputy Leader of the House of Commons | Nigel Griffiths | May 2005 - March 2007 | |
| Paddy Tipping | March 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| The Baroness Amos | May 2005 – June 2007 | ||
| Deputy Leader of the House of Lords | Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean | May 2005 - June 2005 | |
| Lord Rooker | June 2005 - June 2007 | ||
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Whips
More information Whips, Hilary Armstrong ...
| Whips | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilary Armstrong | May 2005 – May 2006 | ||
| Jacqui Smith | May 2006 – June 2007 | ||
| Treasurer of HM Household Deputy chief Whip |
Bob Ainsworth | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Comptroller of HM Household Whip |
Thomas McAvoy | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Vice-Chamberlain of the Household Whip |
John Heppell | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Junior Lords of the Treasury Whips |
Joan Ryan | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Gillian Merron | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Vernon Coaker | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Tom Watson | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| David Watts | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
| Alan Campbell | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Kevin Brennan | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Claire Ward | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Frank Roy | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Assistant Whips | Frank Roy | May 2005 - May 2006 | |
| Ian Cawsey | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
| Alan Campbell | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Claire Ward | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Parmjit Dhanda | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Tony Cunningham | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
| Kevin Brennan | May 2005 - May 2006 | ||
| Steve McCabe | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Liz Blackman | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Huw Irranca-Davies | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Jonathan Shaw | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Michael Foster (Worcester MP) | May 2006 - June 2007 | ||
| Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms Chief Whip |
Lord Grocott | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard Deputy Chief Whip |
Lord Davies of Oldham | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Lords and Baronesses-in-waiting Whips |
Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton | May 2005 - June 2007 | |
| Lord Bassam of Brighton | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
| Baroness Crawley | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
| Lord Evans of Temple Guiting | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
| Lord McKenzie of Luton | May 2005 - January 2007 | ||
| Baroness Morgan of Drefelin | January 2007 - June 2007 | ||
| Baroness Royall of Blaisdon | May 2005 - June 2007 | ||
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General
- Ministers in the Labour Governments: 1997–2010 – Parliamentary Information List, House of Commons Library, 3 July 2012
- D. Butler and G. Butler (ed.), Twentieth Century British Political Facts 1900–2000[publisher missing][ISBN missing]
- "Ministerial Departures since 1997 – Parliamentary Information List" (PDF). House of Commons Library. 24 February 2009.
| Preceded by | Government of the United Kingdom 2005–2007 |
Succeeded by |