Many papers have picked up on the news that Alastair Campbell sent an abusive email to the BBC in error via his Blackberry hand-held email device.

The prime minister's former communications chief, who is now part of Labour's general election team, sent an email to the BBC's Newsnight telling them to "fuck off you twats" in response to questions over Labour party election posters.

A "senior member of Tony Blair's inner circle" told the Telegraph: "It was an unfortunate episode. It would have been better if it had not happened.

"I am sure Alastair is irritated with himself. I would be irritated if it had been me."

Peter Kilfoyle, a former minister, called on  Campbell to stop waging a vendetta against the BBC.

"If someone has a grudge against any part of the media it is for them but it does not reflect the views of the Labour Party... I would hope that this would be the end of personal issues with the BBC.

"Not everyone lies awake at night and thinks how terrible the BBC is."

Campbell, however, has said there is no need to apologise.