A woman once voted the "most fanciable" MP was today made equalities minister.
Lynne Featherstone, 58, will be responsible for fighting sexism and other forms of discrimination, based at the Home Office under Theresa May.
She was called a "dizzy airhead" by London Assembly member Brian Coleman in 2008 after she dialled 999 because her central heating boiler was sparking and making noises. She called his comments "sexist".
Her appointment could spell friction with David Cameron's supporters at The Sun because she is an ardent critic of its topless Page 3 shots and recently said she would like to ban them.
The Hornsey and Wood Green MP broke with convention by announcing her appointment herself on her website, rather than waiting for No 10. She made clear that the coalition may have to compromise on pledges she made in two years as Lib-Dem equality spokeswoman.
"It has always been about what LibDems would do about equality if we were in government. Blimey — we are. Now I can deliver it... well, some of it. Will I get our whole agenda agreed? Well I might. There are a few things I can see causing ructions but I am optimistic about most of it."
In other appointments due today, Nick Hurd, son of former foreign secretary Lord Hurd, is set to become charities minister.
