JOAN Humble was the Fylde Coast's only rebel as MPs came close to inflicting a humiliating defeat on the Government over tuition fees.

Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP, Mrs Humble, voted against variable fees in Tuesday's crucial vote in the House of Commons, which the Government won by just five votes.

And she has pledged to continue fighting for improvements to the bill as it continues its passage through parliament.

"I voted against the Government because I believe in the principle that variable fees are wrong," said Mrs Humble.

"It was a difficult decision because I think that the Government has done so much good for my constituents and has come up with an excellent package of support for poorer students and will not be requiring students in future to pay tuition fees up front, but rather when they have graduated and are earning more than £15,000, which is all good news."

Mrs Humble said that she had been approached by ministers over the issue, but said the meetings had been amicable.

"Those of us who opposed the bill brought about some major changes," she added: "I'm pleased at that, but what didn't change was the central point on variable fees, which was the sticking point for me.

"My local constituency party has discussed this in the past and understands my feelings."

Other local MPs voted along party lines, with Gordon Marsden and Hilton Dawson voting with the Government and Michael Jack joining Conservative colleagues in opposing the plans.

Former tuition fees opponent, Hilton Dawson, has been taken to task by political rivals after switching sides to support the bill. The Lancaster and Wyre MP signed a parliamentary motion opposing the variable fees, but has publicly backed the Government in recent weeks.

Wyre Conservative parliamentary spokesman, Ben Wallace, said after the vote: "One has to ask, what has caused Mr Dawson to perform such an explicit u-turn? I do hope his pursuit of the Government appointed post of Children's Commissioner has not clouded his judgment."

Mr Dawson, who stands down at the next election, admitted his interest in the Children's Commissioner role in an interview with The Guardian last year. The former social worker had lobbied for the creation of the position.