TORIES have hit out at alleged rumours that their Totnes candidate Sarah Wollaston

(pictured)

intends to become a 'part time' MP in a row which has blown up even before a general election date has been named.

The Conservative candidate is furious over reported claims she plans to continue working as a GP if she wins Anthony Steen's Totnes seat.

She has accused the Liberal Democrats of being behind the speculation which she says she is faced with regularly on doorsteps while out canvassing. The Lib Dems, however, have insisted they are not to blame.

Dr Wollaston said: "This is something I am constantly being told. It leads people to be very suspicious of any MP who they see as not taking the job seriously."

She is particularly annoyed because she and her supporters planned to run a 'positive' campaign.

The Chagford GP says she has already given up her London work with the Royal College of GPs and is already working only part-time at her practice.

She said she had made it absolutely clear she would give up her job as a GP if she was elected as MP for Totnes.

She says she has been told on doorsteps and by email the claims she would continue to work had come from Liberal Democrat canvassers.

But Liberal Democrat prospective candidate Julian Brazil rejected any claims his party's canvassers were to blame.

"That's not my style," he said. "I will make sure none of our canvassers are telling untruths, but I genuinely don't think they are.

"I have spoken to the person who heads up our canvassing team and have been told we are not saying that.

"I don't know where Dr Wollaston has got this from."

He said he 'applauded' the Conservative's decision to run a 'positive campaign' and said that is what he wants as well.

Dr Wollaston was selected to stand for the Conservative Party in Totnes in the first ever open poll of its kind.

She is up against seven other prospective candidates – Liberal Democrat, Labour, UKIP, Green, BNP and two independents.