Beverley Hughes has made a swift return to government at the education department following her resignation as immigration minister last year.

The MP for Stretford and Urmston since 1997, Hughes enjoyed a rapid rise through the ministerial ranks before her career stalled.

She was forced out in April 2004 after admitting she "albeit unwittingly" misled parliament over an immigration row.

Despite strong backing from Tony Blair and the then home secretary David Blunkett the slip meant her position had become untenable amid a media storm.

The row, cleverly exploited by the Conservatives, centred on claims from whistleblower Steve Moxon that the Home Office's Immigration and Nationality Directorate had waived checks on visa applications from eastern Europe.

While holding the the poisoned chalice of the immigration portfolio she delivered on Downing Street's demand for a halving of asylum applications.

Previously Hughes served in the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions and under Blunkett as prisons and probation minister.

Before entering parliament she was a university lecturer and council leader.

Considered to be one of the most able ministers of the 1997 generation of MPs, Hughes was said to be respected more than liked by the civil servants she worked with.

Having kept a low profile since her resignation, Hughes was never likely to have to wait long for a return to the frontbench.

However her new post will provide her with plenty of challenges as she seeks to grapple with the challenges of delivering on the government's 'Every child matters' policy pledges.