BELEAGURED Hartlepool MP Peter Mandelson is facing another challenge to his Teesside seat.

North-East farmer Andrew Spence, who led last year's nationwide petrol protests, has vowed to challenge the former Northern Ireland Secretary.

Mr Spence, 33, of Consett, County Durham, will represent the People's Fuel Lobby and believes he can take Hartlepool away from the former minister.

The lobby has promised that last September's fuel blockades will return during the General Election campaign unless the Government slashes petrol taxes.

Last week, Arthur Scargill announced he would stand in Hartlepool for the Socialist Labour Party, and has challenged Mr Mandelson to a debate in the town.

Other challengers to the seat are Conservative and local businessman Gus Robinson, Liberal Nigel Boddy and comedian and DJ Mike Elliot, who will stand for the Social Insecurity Party.

Mr Mandelson faced criticism last week when he postponed a visit to Hartlepool to meet constituents, despite claiming since his resignation he would concentrate on being a local MP.

The former Cabinet minister has pledged not to damage the Government or the Labour Party as he battles to prove he did not lie about the Hinduja passport affair.

But the majority of voters in his Hartlepool seat said in a poll they do not want him as their MP. Almost half of those questioned - 46 per cent - said he should stand down, while 34 per cent thought he should stay.