WARRINGTON'S Liberal Democrats say that voters should ignore the Tories as Warrington South is a two-horse race.

In election material posted by Lib Dem candidate Ian Marks, residents in the constituency are told the Tories are "out of the race" and that Michael Howard cannot win the election.

Quoting results from last June's local elections, Clr Marks says the choice is simply between the Lib Dems and Labour - represented by Helen Southworth.

He said: "Mr Howard was the man who backed the illegal invasion of Iraq and who wants to cut public services by £30 billion, costing £5.9 billion in redundancy payments alone."

But Tory candidate Fiona Bruce this week defended her position.

She said: "I believe that there are clear differences between myself and the other parties.

"I have sought to run a positive, issue-oriented campaign which clearly sets out the values I believe in and the ways in which I would like to serve Warrington.

"People want politicians with integrity. The true picture is that, at the last General Election, the Lib Dems came a poor third, taking only 16 per cent of the vote. It's time for a change and only I can offer this."

Meanwhile Tory candidate in Warrington North Andrew Ferryman has branded election leaflets handed out by Labour rival Helen Jones as "blatantly untrue".

He said: "The Labour leaflet says only they will keep the £200 winter fuel allowance to pensioners and Conservatives would abolish it. This is blatantly untrue - it has never been and will never be the policy of the Conservative Party to abolish this allowance.

"It is appalling that Labour in Warrington have resorted to such low level tactics but at least it shows its not only Mr Blair who is prepared to mislead the electorate - his whole party are at it."

But Mrs Jones said the information came directly from social security spokesman for the Tories, David Willets.

She added: "He said his preferred policy is still to cut winter fuel allowance and the free TV licence for pensioners."

As the national campaign begins to get personal, so does the Warrington one.