Des Browne takes his Lords seat

FORMER defence secretary Des Browne took his seat in the House of Lords yesterday as a Labour peer.

Lord Browne of Ladyton held various ministerial posts, including Scotland secretary and chief secretary to the Treasury, during his 13 years as an MP.

He represented Kilmarnock and Loudoun from 1997 until he stood down at the recent General Election.

Lord Browne, 58, was one of two Labour peers taking their seats yesterday, the other being Sir Jeremy Beecham, who was the first chairman of the Local Government Association.

They both wore the traditional ermine robes.