RIBBLE Valley MP Nigel Evans was under fire today for voting against the disclosure of MPs outside earnings.

The Tory backbencher voted with the government line and against making the figures public as a rebellion by 23 of his colleagues humiliated Prime Minister John Major by handing Labour a crushing victory on the issue.

The move - originally recommended by the Nolan Committee into standards in public life and then watered down by a Commons committee, was backed by 322 votes to 271, a majority of 51.

Today, leader of the Commons, Tony Newton, was attempted to press aside the defeat claiming it was not a matter of confidence in Mr Major, while Tory backbenchers fought amongst themselves.

While the 23 who voted with Labour for disclose were unrepentant, others led by Sir Michael Neubert were threatening to disobey the rules.

Mr Newton told these MPs he hoped they would obey a free vote of the House of Commons and not bring the House into further disrepute.

But Labour was jubilant and Rossendale and Darwen MP and Junior Opposition WHip Janet Anderson, put Mr Evans and his loyal colleagues on the spot.

She said: "One can't help wonder what it is they have got to hide.

"It is important that we restore public confidence in Parliament and last night's vote was an important step in that procedure.

"I am very sad that so many Tories, including Nigel Evans, voted against full disclosure and delivered a slap in the face to their constituents.

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