Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd was yesterday presented with a fruit cake, bearing an edible replica of the Mace, to celebrate her 25 years as MP for West Bromwich West.

Mr Richard Hingston, 28, chief pastry chef at the Commons, said: ''There's lots of alcohol in it.''

The cake was presented by Leader of the Commons Ann Taylor and the chairman of the catering committee, Labour MP Dennis Turner.

Miss Boothroyd said she ''adored'' her job. ''It is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me.''