Cabinet hard man John Reid has become Tony Blair's political bullet-catcher.

He was at his most combative recently when, as leader of the Commons, he accused "rogue elements" inside the security forces of undermining the government.

Many thought he had gone too far but the performance drew fire away from the prime minister - who faced continuing questions about the presentation of intelligence in the run-up to war with Iraq.

A Glaswegian former communist and trade union organiser, Reid has since moved to the right and helped pave the way for Blair's transformation of Labour as an assistant to Neil Kinnock.

Elected as an MP in 1987, he was tipped for great things and has demonstrated flexibility, flair and wit across a range of briefs.

A defence spokesman for seven years in opposition, Reid joined the ministry when Labour came to power in 1997.

It was said that he fell in love with the technicalities of defence administration, able to recite missile specifications at the drop of a hat.

Largely responsible for the strategic defence review, he managed to cut military costs but kept the defence chiefs on side.

Sometimes he even seemed to outshine the then defence secretary, George Robertson - who is now, as Lord Robertson, secretary general of Nato.

His reward came in the form of the unforgiving transport minister brief in 1998.

He impressed Blair with his tough approach and was promoted to the cabinet as Scottish secretary after the establishment of the Holyrood parliament the following year.

The prime minister next called for Reid after Peter Mandelson's second fall, appointing him Northern Ireland secretary.

He moved from the province shortly after being forced to suspend devolution in October 2002.

His trouble-shooting skills were then employed in more purely political matters as he became Labour party chairman and minister without portfolio - or "Minister for the Today programme".

Blair turned to him again when Robin Cook quit as Commons Leader in opposition to the Gulf conflict.

His brief was to bring the backbenches to order during a difficult time but he retained his role as government mouthpiece.

John Reid was born on May 8, 1947, the son of a postman and a factory worker.

He attended St Patrick's Senior Secondary School, Coatbridge and Stirling University.

He joined the communist party in 1973, but left after a few years to become a professional Labour party activist.

Reid married Cathie McGowan in 1969 and they had two sons. She died suddenly in 1998.

He married again last year to Brazilian Carine Adler - a director of "exotic" films who he met at a barbecue.

Reid had already given up drinking and his new wife convinced him to kick his 40-year, 40-a-day cigarette habit.

The pair now share an expensive Westminster townhouse - that would probably not have impressed the young leftwinger who went on to become Blair's political bodyguard.