EAST Lancashire MP Greg Pope changed his mind about moves to modernise House of Commons procedures this week ending late-night sittings during the debate on the issue.

The Hyndburn backbencher went into the Chamber intending to back the plans but, as the discussions unfolded, he became more and more sceptical. His doubts were fuelled by the strident denunciation of the scheme by his friend, and Rossendale and Darwen Labour colleague, Janet Anderson. Despite a powerful speech in favour of the proposals by veteran Burnley MP Peter Pike, Mr Pope's misgivings grew.

The persistent references from South-East MPs to the reforms being "family friendly'' grated on him as finishing debates at 7pm would not help him see his family in East Lancashire.

But he was still undecided when he approached the voting lobbies. Then he met a senior London female Labour MP who told him: "Come on now Darling, this way to vote for an early finish.''

That put the tin lid on it and he followed Mrs Anderson into the "No'' lobby to vote against the modernisation plans.

THE atmosphere in 10 Downing Street has been grim this week following Burnley's 6-5 defeat at Grimsby on Tuesday night. Tony Blair's Director of Communications Alastair Campbell has been in a thunderous mood -- as befits a fanatical Clarets fan.

Blackburn MP and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, a Rovers fan, tackled Mr Campbell on the result in Ten Downing Street yesterday.

He told me: "I asked him what six and five added up to. He gave me a sign which can tactfully be described as Churchillian.''

NONE of East Lancashire's six MPs attended a free-range egg breakfast near Westminster to oppose the continued use of battery cages for laying hens. But, as the entry price for scrambled eggs and a cup of tea was a photograph between TV cook Sophie Grigson and a man dressed as a giant chicken, perhaps discretion was the better part of valour.