Lib Dem MPs threw themselves into all kinds of contortions at Westminster today as the party faced meltdown over its betrayal on student tuition fees.
The party's MPs will meet tomorrow night in a frantic effort to work out some sort of agreed strategy for Thursday night's Commons vote on raising annual tuition fees to as much as £9,000.
But the beleaguered band of 57 MPs is split four ways, with some planning to vote for the increase, some against, some wanting to abstain and yet others demanding a panic postponement of the vote.
A spokesman for their commander, Prime Minister David Cameron, refused to say whether or not Lib Dem ministers would face the sack if they vote against or abstain.
Some ministers are considering resignation, with strong rumblings coming from Transport Minister Norman Baker, and also from Edinburgh West MP Mike Crockart, parliamentary aide to Scottish Secretary Michael Moore.
Former Lib Dem leader Lord Ashdown kicked students in the teeth by declaring that Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg had shown "great wisdom and a good deal of courage" in his handling of the issue.
Dithering Business Secretary Vince Cable now appears to be ready to line up for the fees betrayal, after making contradictory statements about the policy - which was drawn up in his own ministerial department.
However, Colchester Lib Dem MP Bob Russell insisted: "Prior to the election, I signed a pledge saying I would not vote for higher tuition fees. And I have no intention of voting for higher tuition fees."
Mr Russell added that he believed the tuition fees package now on offer was "arguably better" - especially for students from lower income families - than the package left behind by "the discredited Labour government."
He argued that Labour involvement in opposition to tuition fee increases "smacks of humbug and hypocrisy."
Southport Lib Dem MP John Pugh said that despite concessions for poorer students "it will still mean passing on indebtedness to another generation."
Leeds Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland demanded a postponement of Thursday night's vote, predicting that "very, very few" of his party's MPs would support the government.
Urging a "full public consultation" he warned that government proposals "simply haven't convinced people this is the right way forward, and that is no way to make policy."
