Lewes MP Norman Baker has asked all his Liberal Democrat colleagues not to support Brighton and Hove Albion's stadium plans.

Brighton Pavilion MP David Lepper tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons, urging MPs to show their support for a stadium at Falmer and urging Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to approve it as soon as possible.

The Argus-backed motion was supported by Des Turner and Celia Barlow, Mr Lepper's Labour colleagues in Brighton Kemptown and Hove, and has already gained the backing of 15 MPs.

But The Argus can reveal Mr Baker has emailed Lib Dem MPs, urging all of the 62-strong party group not to put their names to the motion.

So far, no Lib Dems have signed it even though 20 MPs from the party signed a similar pro-stadium motion last year and 16 of those are still MPs after the May 5 General Election.

Paul Elgood (Hove) and Hazel Thorpe (Brighton Pavilion) were among seven Lib Dem candidates in Sussex who supported the plans during the election campaign. Three opposed the stadium and six expressed no opinion.

At least one Lib Dem MP is understood to be considering signing the motion, but another revealed: "We are steering clear of that one because it's none too popular with the Liberal Democrat MP in the neighbouring constituency (Mr Baker).

"I'm not going to get involved in a Sussex disagreement.

"But I'm sure if the case is strong enough the arguments will win the day with or without the signatures of six or ten Liberal Democrat MPs."

Mr Baker said: "It's normal when there's an EDM for a steer to be given by the local MP.

"It's not a three-line whip and people will make up their own minds."

A public inquiry considering whether there is a better site for a new stadium finished on May 5.

Planning inspector David Brier will complete his report by the end of July and Mr Prescott is expected to announce a decision by October at the latest.

Albion remain confident Mr Prescott will approve the 22,000-seat community stadium near Falmer station.

But Mr Baker said: "I hope they've got a Plan B.

"My gut feeling is what it's always been that the football club has been led up the garden path by Brighton and Hove City Council and Prescott will say no' now it's after the election."