The government is set to unveil ground-breaking plans to introduce reform bills before they are formally announced in the Queen's speech next month.

With an election likely in May or June, some bills could fall victim to a short session which is already due to start late because of the Hunting Bill.

Peter Hain, the leader of the Commons, is therefore hoping to use the normally quiet final weeks of the current session - when peers are busy mopping up legislation, but MPs have time to spare - to start work on two bills which he wants passed in the new session.

Labour's controversial gambling bill is a likely candidate.