NORTH-East MP Kevan Jones emerged from the Commons ballot on university tuition fees saying: "I voted for the Government holding my nose."

Tony Blair emerged from easily the biggest backbench rebellion of his leadership having won by a nose.

It was too close for comfort for the Prime Minister but victory - albeit a hollow one - will smell sweet after the strong whiff of defeat which threatened to overpower him.

The underfunding of universities is an issue of great importance but the Government, which underestimated the strength of the rebellion and the need for greater consultation, was forced to scrape and grovel with its nose to the floor.

Although it was not a pretty sight, a win is a win. Mr Blair has stood up for what he believes is right for the country - but his authority has been damaged and trust in his Government has been undermined.

When the next general election comes along, and manifestos are being waved in the air, it will be remembered that Labour went back on its pledge not to introduce tuition fees.

For politics is all about trust. And that brings us, hardly without pause, to Lord Hutton's long-awaited report into the death of weapons expert of Dr David Kelly.

The report goes to the very heart of the Government's integrity and by now Mr Blair knows to what extent the damage inflicted by the tuition fees rebellion is to be exacerbated by Lord Hutton's findings.

Will Tory leader Michael Howard be able to hammer home the accusation that the Prime Minister lied to the country over the outing of Dr Kelly as the BBC's source? Or will he owe Tony Blair an apology?

If last night's leaked report proves correct and Mr Blair is cleared of dishonourable conduct, Mr Howard will owe the Prime Minister an apology.

Nevertheless, until we have confirmation that Mr Blair is in the clear, it not a day for any worried Labour MP to hold his nose - but to hold his breath.