A widening split has emerged between the cabinet and Labour backbenchers over the government's plans for reform of the House of Lords.

While Labour MPs are strongly in favour of a largely or wholly-elected second chamber, according to today's Times, ministers are so far refusing to increase their original proposal for a 20 per cent elected chamber.

The leader of the Commons. Robin Cook. is said to be a supporter of a compromised higher figure but is being opposed by deputy prime minister, John Prescott, and lord chancellor, Derry Irvine.