Labour braced for ballot box defeat

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With polls indicating that the party faces defeat in Crewe and Nantwich this week, Ms Harman surprised many by admitting its tactics were "not the most positive".

Labour activists have dressed in top hat and tails for publicity stunts in the constituency, while posters have highlighted Tory candidate Edward Timpson's wealth and privileged education at Uppingham public school in Rutland.

One leaflet being handed out over recent days stated: "Tory Boy application form: Do you think that regeneration is adding a new wing to your mansion?"

Interviewed on BBC1's Politics Show, Ms Harman was questioned about the local Labour party's website, which has an image of a top hat and bow tie alongside the phrase: "Do You Want A Tory Con Man or a Dunwoody?"

Asked whether that was a "positive" message, she replied: "It's not the most positive campaigning, no. But I think most of the campaign is focusing on, you know, the good that has happened over the last ten years since Labour has been in government in Crewe and Nantwich and also our plans for the future."

Labour's main message in Crewe and Nantwich was that Tamsin Dunwoody - whose mother Gwyneth held the seat until her death last month - was the best candidate, she added.

Research by ICM for the News of the World found that the Tories had doubled their advantage in Crewe and Nantwich over the past week, with 45% of constituents planning to back them, compared to 37% for Labour.

Meanwhile, a YouGov poll for the Sunday Times put the Tories on 45% to Labour's 25%, with the Lib Dems on 18% - up two points since last month.

Labour hit back against allegations of dirty campaigning by accusing the Tories of "sheer hypocrisy". A spokesman claimed Conservative activists had pretended to be Labour backers, criticised Ms Dunwoody because her real name is Moyra, and removed posters from streets in the middle of the night. Someone had also rifled through the campaign team's bins, according to the spokesman.