THE Northwich woman behind a bid to make 'upskirting' an illegal act says she remains positive despite a Commons block today, Friday.

Upskirting – taking a picture under someone;'s clothing without their consent – was brought to parliament as a private member's Bill as MPs fought to bring legislation to make it a criminal offence in its own right.

Tory grandee Sir Christopher Chope faced cries of 'shame!' as he helped derail the Bill, which had been brought about through a campaign led by Gina Martin, from Northwich.

Under parliamentary rules, it only takes one MP to say 'object' to block the progress of a private member's Bill once time for debate has concluded at 2.30pm on a Friday.

Sir Christopher, a former vice chairman of the Tory party, objected to the Voyeurism (Offences) Bill, as well as two others.

Sir Christopher was on his feet when the clock struck 2.30pm, the cut-off time for the day, effectively meaning the proposed legislation was talked out.

Gina had been waiting for rock band The Killers to appear at the British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park, London, when she caught two alleged offenders taking a photo up her skirt.

After the issue was dealt with by the Metropolitan Police, the 25-year-old, who now lives in the capital, was told that no law had been broken ‘because her genitals were not visible’.

The Bill was proposed by Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP for Bath, and backed by Lucy Frazer, Tory MP for South East Cambridgeshire, before it was controversially blocked.

In a statement, Gina said: "I am obviously extremely upset and disappointed that Sir Chope decided to object on this vitally important bill for the women of England and Wales.

"I remain positive, though. We knew this was a risk – but I now stand with powerful, passionate women and men behind me, and I am confident that Lucy Fraser is committed to – and will – close this gap in the law.

"Ryan, Wera and I will be meeting with Lucy shortly to discuss how we move forward together.

"Ryan and I have just spoken with Sir Christopher and he has agreed to meet with the two of us to discuss the bill. I’m positive and hopeful that he will become a supporter."