LIBEL law reforms were dropped by the Government yesterday as it shoe-horned the last of its legislative programme into the final days of the current Parliament.

After Gordon Brown called the election on Tuesday, Leader of the House Harriet Harman set out what would be included in the Parliamentary “wash-up”.

Other measures to be dropped include plans for a referendum on voting reform and the 10% tax hike on cider.

But Ms Harman’s cull of libel reform comes just days after Justice Secretary Jack Straw said he was “hopeful” it would be passed before the general election. Mr Straw’s proposals would have seen success fees in no-win-no-fee libel cases capped at 10% of normal fees, rather than 100%.

The Government had hoped to pass the measure through a Commons committee, which would not have required a vote in either House.

But last week the plan fell victim to a Labour rebellion as four Labour MPs joined opposition parties on the First Delegated Legislation Committee in voting against the Conditional Fee Agreements (Amendment) Order.

Yesterday, Ms Harman confirmed the proposals would not be discussed again.

A spokesman for Mr Straw said the order had been withdrawn “given the likelihood of a revolt and the lack of time left for a debate”.

He added: “It is a matter of regret, but Mr Straw will return to it if re-elected.”