THE Foreign Secretary said voters in the Mid Dorset and North Poole constituency are "crucial" during a visit to Broadstone ahead of next week's election.

MP Philip Hammond is the latest political heavyweight to visit the area in an attempt to bolster support for prospective candidate Michael Tomlinson.

The constituency is being hotly contested after Annette Brooke decided to retire, with Nick Clegg and David Cameron both visiting in recent weeks to support two of the candidates vying for the role.

Speaking yesterday outside Budgens in Lower Blandford Road, Mr Hammond said Mid Dorset and North Poole is one of 23 key constituencies that will win or lose the election, and called on voters to support the Conservatives on May 8.

"The issue here is not about local politics but about national politics," he said.

"What this country needs is a stable government. There are choices facing voters - one is a majority Conservative government continuing our policies, including our successful and effective economic plan, and another is a minority Labour government propped up by the SNP. A vote for the Lib Dems in this constituency will mean a vote for Miliband. There is a plain choice to be made - it's either David Cameron or Ed Miliband."

Asked about the chances that Ukip could form a coalition with a minority Conservative government, Mr Hammond said: "[The chance of that is] virtually none."

He said he would be visiting Ukip battleground South Thanet today, Thursday, April 30, adding: "I am confident Mr Farage will not be winning that seat."

However, Mr Hammond was more evasive on the issue of Navitus Bay, and said the importance of Dorset's tourism industry and the Jurassic Coast would mean the issue would have to be "weighed very, very carefully in the balance".

"This is what local democracy is really about," he said.

"Where issues are very much local it must be for local politicians to argue the case."

Mr Tomlinson said the Conservatives are "fighting to win" with a majority.

"We are not contemplating a coalition and who might be a part of that - we are fighting for a victory," he said.

"This is something I'm fighting for as well. I want to be an advocate for Mid Dorset, a strong local champion for residents."

He spoke out against Navitus Bay, calling the issue "vitally important".

"The Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage site, and we must not put that at risk," he said.

"Local tourism is essential to our economy. We can't allow it to be affected in any way."