Who they are
DAVID HANSON: David Hanson represents the safe Labour constituency of Delyn in Wales which he has held since 1992. Mr Hanson's voting record in the House of Commons reflects strong loyalty to the last Blair administration, especially on the Iraq war, university fees and hunting.
He has served as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to Tony Blair (2001- 2005), junior minister at the Welsh Office under Peter Hain (1999-2005), government whip (1998- 1999), and PPS to Alistair Darling, who was chief secretary to the Treasury (1997-1998).
LORD ROOKER: As MP for Birmingham Perry Barr, Jeff Rooker once introduced a Bill to abolish the House of Lords. Now appointed to the upper house after a series of junior ministerial appointments in the first two Blair governments, Lord Rooker is known for his party loyalty but also for his independent streak.
He has been a party spokesman on economic and environmental issues and once stood in for Tony Blair at prime minister's questions. In government he was appointed food safety minister and served throughout the BSE crisis.
SHAUN WOODWARD: Shaun Woodward is Labour MP for St Helens South. Elected as a Tory MP in 1997 he defected to Labour prior to the 2001 general election. He said at the time: "I realised this Tory party was destined only to make people's lives worse. So I left."
His recent House of Commons voting record shows him to be a faithful Blairite who strongly supported the Iraq war, student top-up fees, foundation hospitals, the introduction of identity cards and anti-terrorism legislation. He is particularly interested in issues of children's rights.
ANGELA SMITH: Angela Smith has been a minister at the Northern Ireland Office since 2002, with responsibility for victims and reconciliation, health, the environment and culture. Elected to the House of Commons in 1997 she has a record of strong support for Blairite positions on such issues as the Iraq war and anti-terrorism legislation. Formerly head of political and public relations for the League Against Cruel Sports, Ms Smith's personal political interests include crime prevention, education and international development.