ANTI-sleaze crusader Martin Bell has been advising campaigners trying to unseat Salford MP Hazel Blears.

Mr Bell - a former independent MP for Tatton who defeated cash-for-questions-row Tory Neil Hamilton - has teamed up with ex-Beirut hostage Terry Waite in a new `clean politics' campaign.

The pair are considering whether to field independent candidates at the next general election in response to the expenses scandal.

Mr Bell said it was time to bring about a `more honest politics' by challenging MPs who had abused their expenses.

And, while he has ruled out standing directly against Ms Blears, he confirmed he was still giving advice to campaigners.

Mr Bell has previously said he would prefer a `local hero' to take on the Salford MP when she stands for the new enlarged constituency of Salford and Eccles.

Trade unionist Alec McFadden - who made his name helping victims of the collapse of The Accident Group - has already thrown his hat in the ring.

Ms Blears handed a cheque for £13,000 to the taxman after controversy over her expenses claims.

Mr Bell said he had joined forces with Mr Waite, a former special envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, after reading a newspaper article by him calling for more independent candidates.

Mr Bell described their considerations as a `quiet conspiracy between old chums'.

He said: "It's very informal and below the radar, because as soon as you go above the radar you get your head blown off by the political parties. But there are places, I think, where there are possibilities."

Mr Bell did not rule himself out of standing in the next general election and added that Mr Waite `may have a go' too.

"I haven't decided yet and I wouldn't decide until February or March," Mr Bell said.

"I think I am bit old, at 70, to be one of the piston rods of revolution."

In his Times article, Mr Waite wrote: "The transformation from duckhouse to doghouse was rapid and took everyone by surprise.

"Now is the time for the people of this country to rally round those men and women willing to serve their country as independent members of parliament.

"They won't have all the answers but they may well bring some fresh air into a political hothouse that has been suffocating for far too long."

Television presenter Esther Rantzen confirmed last month that she will stand as an independent MP for Luton South.