PENDLE MP Gordon Prentice was today preparing to mount his third rebellion against the Government's welfare reforms.

He has already joined two major back-bench revolts against plans to limit incapacity benefit payments to the disabled.

And tonight he was ready to join a third as rebels defied warnings from social security secretary Alistair Darling that the whole Bill could be in jeopardy after key provisions were defeated in the House of Lords last night.

Mr Prentice said: "I think I shall be voting against the Government because the situation really hasn't changed. I am very concerned about the incapacity benefit proposals."

Although Mr Darling expects to win tonight's Commons vote, a major rebellion might persuade Tory hereditary peers in the Lords to once again vote down the changes provoking a constitutional crisis and losing the Bill.

But early indications were that Tory peers would abstain provided the Government gets a good majority tonight.

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