The essential dialectic is actually between the 148 new MPs and the rest of the party.

"It was very surreal moment in my life," the new MP said.

The new MPs were sworn in on 9 January 2003.

But until a new constitution has been drawn up, no one can be sure just how much power these new MPs will have.

Heng was the first new MP directly appointed a full minister since 1984.

Near the end of his life, a new MP asked the former prime minister if he would like some tea.

A total of 58 new MPs were among the 150 sworn in Tuesday.

She said: "I'm a new MP and we are having to deal with the system that's put in place for problems from the past.

The four new MPs each pushed Labour into second place.

The row over the new MPs' expenses system continues.