Tories inflict defeat over pension reform

The Conservatives threatened a wave of "guerrilla warfare" tactics in the Commons yesterday after inflicting the largest defeat on the Government since 1997.

Tory MPs packed the Commons chamber to grant a rare second reading for former minister David Curry's Bill to reform pensions law after forcing a vote with just 27 Labour members in the House.

The Bill, which was opposed by the Government, has little chance of becoming law. But Conservatives were jubilant at the success of their tactics after keeping more MPs in Westminster than normal to force victory. Party sources said the defeat, by 139 to 27 would create unease among Government whips and force more Labour MPs to vote on quiet parliamentary occasions.

The victory marks a move towards a more aggressive style of opposition by Iain Duncan Smith, the Tory leader.One senior source said: "This is constructive opposition in action."

Yesterday's Private Members' Bill was designed to ease rules forcing pensioners to buy an annuity which provides income throughout retirement.