SECRET documents show that Labour MP David Chaytor fears an election backlash from his own supporters.

So says prospective Tory challenger John Walsh who has come across a letter written to activists by Mr Chaytor's election agent, Bury councillor John Smith.

It details how Labour plans to step up its campaign "on the assumption" that the election will be on May 3.

But Mr Walsh says the most important line is the final one, which says "Remember that the crucial issue in this General Election will be to keep the turnout high. Opinion polls mean nothing if people don't get out to vote!" Mr Walsh's interpretation is that Tony Blair is scared of election apathy among traditional Labour voters.

"If core Labour voters desert David Chaytor, how on earth does he expect to win over the floating vote?" says Mr Walsh.

He says it's no wonder Mr Chaytor fears a backlash, given Bury's poor league position in terms of school funding, crime figures and the number of hospital doctors.

But the claims have been derided by Bury councillor John Smith, who said he didn't need to read other people's letters to know what would happen.

"We are geared up for the election whenever it's called, and I'm confident that we will be returned with a good majority in the country and in Bury North," he said.

"We're looking forward to this councillor from Bolton telling us where he is going to make £24 million of Tory cuts in the constituency."

Coun Smith mocked the Tories' preparations, saying he had recently received a letter from William Hague asking for his support.

"What database are they using?" he wondered. "We wouldn't send a similar letter to the Tory party's agent."