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A quarter of all Labour MPs are campaigning to save post offices threatened with closure under a Government programme, researchers claim today.

90 of 355 Labour MPs have so far opposed the plans.

The findings come on the eve of the only Commons vote on the divisive plan to shut 2,500 post office branches.

The decision, which the Government says is necessary to save the network's £150 million-a-year subsidy and cut its estimated losses of £4 million a week, was made by Cabinet ministers in May.

Research by the Tories released today finds that 70 Labour MPs have spoken out about the closure programme or opposed local closures.

This means that 90 of 355 Labour MPs have so far opposed the plans. This figure is likely to rise because only half of the closures have been announced.

Previous reports claimed that up to 50 local councils are considering taking over post offices in the wake of the announcement to close 2,500 branches. The councils are keen to safeguard the service for rural communities and are investigating the possibility of financing a rescue package through council tax. It comes after Essex county council unveiled £1.5 million plans to save 15 branches under threat.