DARWEN and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson said she was "chuffed" to be name-checked in Prime Minister Tony Blair's, final speech to the Labour Party conference.
The premier commended Mrs Anderson for her loyalty despite her sacking as a Government minister in 2001.
She was one of just handful of people namechecked in the speech alongside the likes of Cherie Blair and Gordon Brown.
Mrs Anderson had been a Government whip and minister for tourism, leisure and culture. During her time in Government she introduced the popular free TV licences for over 75s.
Mr Blair told delegates in Manchester: "People like Janet Anderson, George Howarth, Mike Hall. Good ministers, but I asked them to make way.
"They did. Without a word of bitterness.
"They never forgot their principles when in office; and they never discovered them when they left office.
"This is the party I am proud to lead."
Mrs Anderson said: "I was shocked but dead chuffed."
She said she had remained loyal despite her transfer out of Government because she was proud her party and its record.
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