BRENT SOUTH MP Dawn Butler (pictured) has made history as the first black woman to speak at the Commons despatch box yesterday.  Ms Butler, who was cheered by MPs from all sides, said it was a "pleasure" to answer questions from the front bench.

She became Minister for Young Citizens and Youth Engagement on October 30.

Ms Butler replied: "I thank you for your warm words and kind remarks. It is indeed a pleasure to be standing here at the despatch box."

Tory Sir Nicholas Winterton (Macclesfield) also welcomed Ms Butler as minister and wished her well. But he warned her: "It will perhaps be for a relatively short time."

Source: UKPA