NIGEL Evans has dismissed claims by the Liberal Democrats that they can oust him as East Lancashire's only Tory MP.

The Lib Dems have conducted a survey of 2,000 adults across Britain asking voters: "If you thought that Liberal Democrats could win in your constituency, how would you vote?"

They claim it shows a massive groundswell of support for the Lib Dems which would see them win 216 seats at the next election if voters followed their instincts.

Their leader, Charles Kennedy, said they would gain 61 seats from Labour and 111 from the Tories, including Ribble Valley.

The East Lancashire seat is being fought by Mike Carr who unexpectedly beat Mr Evans in a by-election the first time he stood.

However, Mr Evans, who regained the seat at the following general election, is unimpressed.

The Tory vice-chairman said: "It's a joke. Everybody expects the Liberal Democrats number of seats at Westminster to halve at the next election."