THE British government last night comfortably survived the first real test of its authority after losing an overall majority in the Commons, while Tory MP, Mr Jerry Hayes won the backing of his local party after allegations about his relationship with a young male researcher.
Labour's bid to block the Budget-enacting Finance Bill was defeated by 322 to 287, Government majority 35. Defeat on such a critical measure, central to ministers' spending and taxation plans, would have triggered an early general election.
The Prime Minister, Mr John Major, trimmed short his six-day tour of Asia to be back for the vote, saying he "dare not fail to be back in time" to swell the Tory ranks.
In the event, the big Conservative margin was improved by the Ulster Unionists' decision not to oppose the Bill's second reading, even though they had doubts about some provisions, especially the doubling of airport tax.
It was the first major test for the Government since its Commons majority was wiped out last month, putting the parliamentary arithmetic on a permanent knife-edge.
Opposition parties have launched a campaign of guerilla warfare in the House ahead of the looming election, withdrawing from traditional "pairing" arrangements for MPs following last month's row in which the Government was accused of cheating in an important vote on European fisheries policy.
Liberal Democrats and Scottish and Welsh nationalists voting against the measure's second reading were joined by Labour left-wingers Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) and Mr Dennis Canavan (Falkirk W), who defied their party whip's call to abstain.
Meanwhile, Harlow MP, Mr Hayes (43), who is married with, two children, received a unanimous vote of confidence from his constituency association at a meeting of its executive last night.
The meeting followed newspaper allegations about his relationship with Paul Stone. Mr Hayes has denied any sexual relationship with Mr Stone and has instituted legal proceedings against the News of the World.
Mr Hayes was present at the meeting of the executive council of Harlow Conservative Constituency Association as the claims were discussed. Chairman of the executive council, Mr Dave Roberts, said: "The executive council have given their unanimous support to Jerry and his family at this difficult time."
The allegations about Mr Hayes, which were published just two days after the Prime Minister launched a fresh family values campaign, embarrassed the Tory party.