I AM writing to you to express my concern about a letter published in Friday's edition of the Bolton Evening News (Labour lot are filling us with big fibs -- Albert Hornby, Glendale Drive, Bolton).

The article alleged that I am seeking to fight a safer seat, and that I would prefer a seat nearer Parliament, so that I could spend more time with my children. These allegations have no substance to them whatsoever, and are wholly untrue.

My main concern is that despite being contacted by one of your reporters earlier that week, and questioned about these allegations -- which I vigorously denied -- your editorial staff decided to print Albert Hornby's letter.

It is clear the Bolton West Conservative Party were behind these factious personal attacks, and it is my belief that they intend to use these tactics during the next general election campaign.

Ruth Kelly MP