MERSEYSIDE Labour MPs have swamped Oldham East and Saddleworth ahead of today’s crucial by-election.

The contest is the first electoral test of the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government battered by rows over student fees, bankers’ bonuses, spending cuts and escalating unemployment.

Opinion polls put Labour’s Debbie Abrahams up to 17 points ahead in a three-way fight.

The contest was sparked by a high court decision to strip sitting Labour MP Phil Woolas of the seat after allegations that he lied about Lib-Dem rival Elwyn Watkins ahead of last May’s general election. Ironically, the Lib-Dems were this week accused of breaching electoral law after housing minister Andrew Stunell unveiled a £100m homes scheme in the seat.

Labour claimed that broke rules intended to ensure that the party of government does not use its advantage to “buy” votes. Mr Woolas, meanwhile, claimed that the legal case which ejected him will actually boost Labour’s chances in the seat.

He said that his former constituents do not like judges “telling them who to vote for”.

David Cameron has also been hit by claims, strongly denied, that the Conservatives have held back from campaigning for their candidate Kashif Ali to give their coalition partners a better chance of victory.

Labour shadow ministers from across the North West have been canvassing in Oldham, including Stephen Twigg (West Derby), Luciana Berger (Wavertree), Angela Eagle (Wallasey) and Maria Eagle (Garston).

Foreign affairs minister Mr Twigg said: “It is tough because it is three ways, but the response we are getting on the doorsteps suggests a solid Labour vote. We are also seeing a lot of former Lib-Dem voters seriously unhappy with the Coalition.”