INDEPENDENT MP Dr Richard Taylor could deal the fatal blow to Tony Blair in the knife-edge vote over student "top-up" fees.

The Wyre Forest MP, who had been keeping his vote secret, declared he would oppose the Prime Minister's Higher Education Bill at Westminster tonight.

Insiders say the vote is so close his decision to side with the opposition parties could be critical.

Worcestershire's Tory MPs, along with Hereford Liberal Democrat Paul Keetch, will all vote against the Bill.

Only Worcester MP Mike Foster will support plans for universities to charge up to £3,000 for popular courses.

Dr Taylor was annoyed by Education Secretary Charles Clarke's argument there is no alternative to variable fees.

He dismissed Mr Clarke's claim as "patently obvious rubbish".

Dr Taylor, who has consulted constituents, added: "I am going to vote with the rebels. It would make sense to have some sort of graduate tax."

As many as 90 Labour MPs remain opposed to the policy, which would see the current up-front fee of £1,125 abolished.

Instead, universities would be allowed to charge students up to £3,000, payable once they have graduated. Poorer students would get up to £3,000 per year help through maintenance grants, fee remission and bursaries.

The picture is confused by some Labour MPs threatening to abstain, along with a small number of Tories.

But Government sources today said Mr Blair could still be defeated, despite intense last-minute lobbying by government whips.

Mr Foster, a Parliamentary aide in the education department, said he would back the Government.

He said: "This is the fairest way of getting more money to universities and increases access for more students, which is good news for places likeWorcester.

"In addition, I support the expansion of University College Worcester. If this Bill does not go through, this will come to nought."

Defeat would leave no funding for the plans, he added.

Mid Worcestershire MP Peter Luff is set to be joined by his Tory colleagues Sir Michael Spicer (West Worcestershire), Julie Kirkbride (Bromsgrove), and Bill Wiggin (Leominster) by voting against Mr Blair.

Mr Luff said: "The Government deserves to be defeated on a policy which will plunge students in debt and breaks a pledge made by the Labour Party at the last General Election."