Gordon Brown has publicly given his backing to the prime minister's legislation on university top-up tuition fees.

In a speech to Labour MPs last night, the chancellor argued that they should "wholeheartedly support the government's proposals, which both promote fairness and give the universities the resources they need".

Many of the rebels who have signed a Commons motion against the Higher Education Bill have been accused of hatching a plot to install Brown in Number 10.

"Gordon is beginning to make it clear to his people that defeat would be bad for everyone, including himself," said one Whitehall source. "He is prepared to say it publicly if he has to."

However, it is estimated by opponents of the bill that they still have the support of more than 100 MPs with the rebellion having to be reduced to below 80 to secure victory for Tony Blair.