The vast majority of protesters on Sunday's countryside march were Tories, according to a poll published yesterday.

The revelation came as ministers appeared to dismiss the march as a "muddled" event with competing and contradictory priorities.

Government sources said the march made little difference and vowed to press on with a ban on hunting.

Country marchers accused the BBC of pro-government bias during its coverage of Sunday's protest.

Hardline protesters are planning to disrupt next week's Labour conference, it has also been claimed.