MICHAEL Ancram, the Devizes MP and shadow spokesman on foreign affairs inherited the title the Marquis of Lothian upon the death of his father on Monday.

The 12th Marquis of Lothian, 82, died peacefully at his home in Ferniehirst Castle in Scotland with his family at his bedside.

As the oldest son in the family Mr Ancram has held the honorary title the Earl of Ancram but has always preferred to be known just as Michael Ancram in his political life.

When he was elected as the MP for Devizes in 1992 Mr Ancram said that he planned to renounce the marquis title if it passed to him while he was a member of the House of Commons because he could not sit in both houses.

However under the reforms introduced by the present government the right of hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords has been removed.

This week Mr Ancram let it be known that he intends to continue in the House of Commons and to stand at the next election under the name Michael Ancram.

Mr Ancram was not available to comment upon his inherited title but his constituency office in Marlborough confirmed that he wanted to continue to be known as Michael Ancram.

Major Mark Cann, chairman of the constituency conservative association, said: "The association has learned of Michael Ancram's father's death with the greatest regret and has sent its profound sympathy to him and to his family at this sad time.

"I think I can speak on behalf of all of Michael's constituency when we say we are thinking of our outstanding MP and we send him our vest best wishes."

The 12th Marquis of Lothian left large estates in Scotland and in Derbyshire.

Mr Ancram lives with his wife Jane and two daughters near Pewsey.

He has inherited his father's musical streak, too.

The 12th marquis was an accomplished jazz pianist and his elder son likes to chill out with his guitar.