LABOUR prospective parliamentary candidates will be warned this weekend that complacency could hamper their election prospects.

Senior members of the party's general election strategy team, including manager Peter Mandelson MP, will address a conference of party campaigners, including candidates, at the GMB National College in Manchester.

Regional spokesman Martin Liptrot said: "We have achieved excellent results in local government and recent by-elections but we must continue to keep the pressure on the Tories.

"The polls have put us at least 20 points ahead now for nearly two years - and in what electoral tests there have been we have recorded excellent results.

"It is encouraging to have these splendid performances, but we must step up our campaigning to take our message of national renewal to the voters and dispel the lies and false allegations that the Tories are beginning to spread."

Mr Mandelson said: "It is up to every Labour party supporter to play their part in achieving the new Labour Government that this region and the rest of the country so badly needs."

Mr Mandelson will be joined by senior party strategists for the two-day conference today and tomorrow.

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