The Conservatives in Oxford West and Abingdon have been accused of pulling the wool over the eyes of local voters.

Competition for votes in the constituency is tough and a five per cent swing to the Tories could mean Ed Matts taking the seat from Dr Evan Harris, who was elected in 1997.

The Tories and the Lib Dems have already clashed in the run-up to the election and the latest row is over statistics.

Ed Matts's latest election address, which is being posted to homes in the area, shows a poll which claims the Conservatives are in the lead with 39 per cent, Labour second with 30 per cent and the Liberal Democrats in third with 29 per cent.

The Lib Dems constituency agent Victoria Marsom said: "The only statistics which matter to people are the general election results from last time, which show quite clearly that Labour are well into third place and can't win.

"Local election results since then have proved this again and again, as Labour support drops throughout the constituency.

"The election here is going to be between the Conservative candidate and Evan Harris and no-one else has a look-in."

Mr Matts conceded that the survey results were compiled after research by the party's own workers but added: "Our research over the past few months shows that the Labour vote is holding up. That is because Labour are fielding a good candidate in Gill Kirk.

"The Lib Dems say people should vote tactically to keep the Tories out but I think people should stick to their principles and vote for the party they believe in.

"Perhaps a tactical vote will be one for the Tories, the only party who can provide an effective opposition to Labour."

Ms Marsom said the electorate in the constituency would be wise enough to see through Mr Matts's 'smokescreen'.

She added: "Voting Labour in Oxford West and Abingdon will only help elect a Conservative MP."