REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith has hit out at Conservative rivals saying they would have turned their backs on MG Rover workers in their hour of need.

Ms Smith voiced her anger in response to Tory criticisms of paying Rover workers while a future for the company was being sought.

The political row erupted after Conservative Industry Spokesman Alan Duncan MP last week branded the £5.2 million bridging loan for the floundering company in April last year as a "total abuse" and "misuse of taxpayer's money".

And now Ms Smith has also written to local Conservatives asking whether they agree with their front bench and calling on them to disown the comments.

"I don't remember the Conservatives complaining about the support the Government was giving to Rover workers last year but now they are," she said.

"They are saying the Government should have abandoned Rover workers to their fate and not tried its utmost to find future for the company.

''This is wrongheaded political opportunism."