Birmingham MP a continual thorn in the side of Tony Blair

Birmingham MP Lynne Jones has been named as one of the biggest rebels making life a misery for Tony Blair.

She is the third most rebellious Labour MP in the House of Commons, a new book has revealed.

And she is one of the top ten rebels of all time.

The finding is based on the number of times MPs have defied their leaders to vote against the party line in the House of Commons.

Mutinous Labour MPs have been a thorn in Tony Blair's side as he attempted to push through controversial legislation such as student fees and hospital reforms.

Since the last election, when Labour's majority fell to just 66 MPs, they have had more influence than ever.

A new book called The Rebels, by academic Peter Cowley, names Selly Oak MP Dr Jones as one of Tony Blair's biggest troublemakers.

Between 2001 and 2005 she voted against the Government 103 times - despite being a Labour MP.

This included opposing the Government over identity cards, foundation hospitals, student top-up fees and anti-terrorism laws.

It made her the third most rebellious MP in the Commons, and the ninth most disobedient MP ever.

Last night she said: "I won't support things I have strong and principled opposition to.

"It doesn't give me any pleasure to vote against the Government. I wish they wouldn't introduce these things.

"I believe I have strong support in my constituency, and my local Labour Party."

Mark Fisher (Lab Stoke Central) was in 11th place for voting against the Government 74 times over the past four years.

But the most rebellious MP of all time was Dennis Skinner, the veteran left-winger representing Bolsover.

Mr Cowley argues that many people think MPs do as they are told like "a flock of tame sheep".

But he writes: "British MPs in recent years have become more rebellious and independent-minded, not less."

The book also reveals that Clare Short (Lab Ladywood) has rebelled against the Government 38 times since she resigned from the cabinet in 2003.

And it highlights the way backbenchers such as Richard Burden ( Lab Northfield) made the Government alter plans for new student tuition fees before they agreed to give their support.

Mr Cowley writes: "During Labour's second term in office, a transformation appeared to come over the Parliamentary Labour Party.

"Almost overnight it appeared to develop some attitude and some backbone."