MPs have thrown Lords reform into chaos after they dismissed all the options on the table.

In a series of Commons votes last night, MPs rejected the positions set out by both Robin Cook and Tony Blair.

Responding to the votes, Cook said it would be wise to "go home and sleep on this".

The next steps would have to be considered by a joint committee of both houses, said the Commons leader.

A spokesman for the prime minister said: "This shows there is no consensus in the Commons on any of the options.

"The task now is for the joint committee to examine the votes in both the Commons and the Lords and bring forward its conclusions."

Five cabinet ministers joined the revolt against the prime minister - although the FT says Cook emerged from yesterday's votes the "most bloodied and bowed".

For the Conservatives, Eric Forth said the position was now "interesting".

"The commitments made in the government's manifesto look as if they are now in shreds," he said.

Peers voted by a large margin for an all-elected chamber.

One in two Labour MPs refused to back Tony Blair in voting for an entirely appointed upper house.