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Labour backbenchers in backbench bottle backlash

Tony Blair is facing a backbench rebellion by MPs furious at their own cowardice. At a recent meeting between the prime minister and his little helpers, Tone was accused of trying to damage the independence of Commons' select committees.

The move follows a surprise defeat in Parliament last week, when MPs voted against a change that would allow MPs to decide who heads up select committees, rather than political heads. "This is a disgrace," one member told The Rockall Times. "The government is forcing us to vote against ourselves. This morning I voted against myself being allowed to vote."

Apparently, the government had promised the select committee decision would be a free vote, in which MPs are forced to make up their own minds. However, when it occurred the majority of backbenchers were forced out of the Commons bar by government whips and herded into the "no" chamber. It was only the next morning that most realised what had happened.

Leader of the House, Robin Cook, was said to be furious at the defeat, especially since he put the clause in only after the backbenchers made such a fuss when foreign affairs select committee chairman Donald Anderson and transport select committee chairman Gwyneth Dunwoody were sacked last summer.

One backbencher revealed the extent of the feeling among Labour MPs, telling us: "Ah yes, Dunwoody, terrific lady, great lady. Bloody disgrace what they did to her. There's a vote on it, you say? Well tell me when it is and I'll make sure I go. Now what d'you fancy? Another Glenfiddich?"

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