Election '97: Bell tolls for Hamilton

Martin Bell is poised to defeat Neil Hamilton in Tatton according to a MORI poll in the constituency for today's Sun, writes John Rentoul. And if an independent Conservative candidate stands, he or she would push Mr Bell, with Mr Hamilton a poor third.

Mr Bell, the "anti-sleaze" candidate, is backed by 44 per cent to 40 per cent for Mr Hamilton, who has been confirmed as the Tory candidate. About half of his supporters would vote independent Tory if one stood.