The decision to appoint John Reid as leader of the Commons sends out a clear warning ahead of a wider reshuffle.

Labour MPs will be left in no doubt that loyalty pays. Whilst Blair may not persecute those who disagreed with him on Iraq, he will reward those who did.

Dr Reid is a Glasgow bruiser - whose Commons style differs from the waspish and analytical Robin Cook.

Those on the receiving end of an attack by 56-year-old Dr Reid say it is not a pleasant experience - and few have rushed back for a second go.

But the Hamilton North and Belshill MP is respected within Downing Street for his ability to withstand media pressure.

When the chips are down it is Dr Reid who is called in to administer the medicine.

Considered by some to be Tony Blair's "bit of rough", he has served at the Ministry of Defence, transport, the Scotland Office, the Northern Ireland Office and at Millbank as party chairman.

But it was at defence where he made his name - becoming a popular minister with the chiefs of the defence staff after his work on the strategic defence review.

A former adviser to Neil Kinnock and a onetime member of the Communist Party, Reid has enemies in Scottish Labour circles.

It is said he has lobbied hard at the expense of Scottish secretary Helen Liddell to retain his seat in the looming boundary cull.

After appearing to slide out of the picture prior to Labour's 1997 election victory, he smartened up his act, kicked alcohol into touch and began to carve out a solid relationship with the leadership.

Since then the blunt son of a postman has become one of Tony Blair's most loyal lieutenants.

Remarried after the death of his wife in 1998, Reid has moved up the ranks - both socially and politically. With a three story home in a prestigious street close to the palace of Westminster, Dr Reid is a man on the up.

And as Commons leader it is unlikely that he will follow Robin Cook and "go native" with the backbenches.

Unlike Cook he will not go out on a limb over the thorny issues of Commons modernisation or Lords reform.

A man who deserves the accolade of a "safe pair of hands", it is clear whose side Dr Reid will be fighting on.