Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker has defended Labour activists who face dismissal for urging supporters to vote tactically.

Mr Baker said he would lose his Lewes seat without the support of Labour voters.

The activists have urged Labour supporters to vote tactically against Tory candidate Simon Sinnatt by voting for Mr Baker.

The group faces being kicked out for supporting a candidate from a rival party.

Mr Baker, frank about his chances of success without the help of Labour voters, urged Labour chiefs to be "tolerant and understanding".

He said: "I believe tactical voting was a key factor last time in getting rid of the Tories.

"If everyone who would normally wish to vote Labour does so, and does not vote tactically, they will have a Tory MP."

Lewes is 20th on the Tories' list of targets, requiring only a 2.6 per cent swing to overturn Mr Baker's 1,300 majority.

Some 22 Labour and Green Party supporters have called for supporters to vote for Mr Baker.

Labour supporter Liz Mandeville said today: "Paul Richards, the Labour Party candidate, is not going to win.

"The more people who vote for him, the greater the chance will be that the Liberal Democrat MP would be beaten by the Tories."

Simon Anderson, of the Green Party, said they would not be fielding a candidate against Mr Baker, who he said had focused on environmental issues.

Labour is officially opposed to tactical voting.

Speaking on a visit to Chatham, Prime Minister Tony Blair said: he understood the desire to get rid of the Tories.

He added: "I understand why they feel like that, but as Labour leader I want people to vote Labour."

May 11 2001