BOLTON MP David Crausby says he is ready for a snap election — even though Downing Street is yet to make a decision on when to go to the polls.

The latest ICM poll, published yesterday in The Guardian newspaper, showed the Conservatives’ lead had been cut to a single-digit figure for the first time since last December.

Even though the nine-point lead would probably still be enough for a small Tory majority, pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to call a March election.

Mr Crausby, who represents Bolton North East, said: “There has been communication from within the party to get ready for election but we are getting to that time when we would be preparing anyway.

“The difference between a March election and a May election is less than two months so we are gearing up.”

The ICM opinion poll, which sought the views of 1,009 adults by telephone between December 11 and 13, shows the Tories on 40 per cent, which was down two points on a similar survey last month; Labour up two points on 31 per cent, and the Lib-Dems on 18 per cent, which was down one point on November.

Mr Crausby said: “I think people are now focusing on the big decision they have to make and I think that, although there are still certain aspects people are unhappy with, the public is not ready to make a complete change and vote for the Conservatives.”

However, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate Deborah Dunleavy denied that was the feedback she was getting from voters.

She said: “We are being told that people are absolutely ready to vote for the Conservatives. This is not just in traditionally Conservative areas, it is in of Tonge, Breightmet and the like, where Labour supporters are telling us they have had enough of this Labour government.”