By BBC News Online's Nick Assinder.

Dr Jack Cunningham was in danger of becoming the forgotten man of Labour.

He is a smooth, highly-effective operator, who often gained criticism for making his jobs look too easy.

That image was not helped by his almost-permanent sun tan which led some colleagues to wonder whether he spent enough time in Britain.

He used to do well in shadow cabinet elections but has gradually slipped down the list over the past years and failed to win election in 1995 after losing the support of the right wing.

Beef work praise

Dr Cunningham: Prominent in the party during the '70s

As a result, he was regularly tipped for the sack, but always managed to hang onto a job.

As agriculture minister, he has faced massive criticism for his decision to ban beef on the bone.

But he has also won praise for the way he handled Britain's EU partners over the beef ban - finally managing to get the embargo partially lifted.

Experienced politician

Dr Cunningham: 1992 Labour party campaigns coordinator

He is one of the few frontbenchers to have had previous government experience - as junior energy minister under Jim Callaghan between 1976 and 1979.

He was the party's campaigns coordinator in the 1992 poll and was then appointed shadow foreign secretary.

But he failed to match Michael Heseltine when he was shadow president of the Board of Trade.

Even now, at the Ministry of Agriculture, it appeared he was keeping a relatively low profile.

But it was his quiet and effective work on the EU beef ban that won him Tony Blair's attention.