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"There is only one thing more nerve-wracking than being called upon to make one's maiden speech," said the new MP.

"Sitting on the bench for seven hours and not being called to make one's maiden speech."

, the newly-elected Tory MP for Aberconwy, spent seven hours on Monday trying - but failing - to catch the Speaker's eye during the Commons debate on the Queen's Speech.

He finally got to deliver his speech last night, in the tradition of maiden speeches - with warm words about his constituency and his predecessors.

did get called on Monday night and included a tribute to an ousted MP from another constituency - , late of Montgomeryshire.

As the new MP for Carmarthen West and Pembrokeshire South put it: "Lembit was a good friend of many people and - let's face it - he brought a certain colour to proceedings on both the inside and the outside.

"He was also pioneering unusual coalitions long before they became a habit in this House."

, who won Blaenau Gwent back for Labour, used his maiden speech to highlight some of his notable predecessors and the role of his constituency in British politics. He also revealed his support for minimum pricing of alcohol - a growing political cause.

managed to include a reference to Gavin and Stacey, which is filmed in his constituency of the Vale of Glamorgan. "I apologise in advance, Mr Deputy Speaker, should I ever ask 'what's occurin'?' or should I thank you by saying 'tidy'."

maiden speech included references to Gwynfor Evans, Adam Price ("one of the greatest figures in the history of the nationalist movement") and Twm Sion Cati - the Welsh Robin Hood.

"I consider myself a redistributive politician very much in the same vein," said Mr Edwards.

Sadly, a time limit on speeches prevented him from mentioning the frank advice he was given by his predecessor, Adam Price - have a row with your parliamentary leader within two weeks and get kicked out of the chamber inside a year.

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