HEALTH Secretary Jeremy Hunt has dramatically pulled out of a drinks and canapes reception in Hampshire tonight amid fears of a backlash from junior doctors.

The senior Conservative was due to mingle with Tory activists at a fundraising bash at the Lysses House Hotel in Fareham at 6pm.

Now it has emerged the event, organised by Fareham Conservatives, has been cancelled due to fears that junior doctors might turn up and begin grilling him.

It comes just 24 hours after Mr Hunt vowed to impose controversial junior doctor contracts in the climax of a bitter row over the medics’ pay and working conditions.

Protestors posted messages on social media urging people to attend so they could demonstrate against Mr Hunt’s decision.

It comes as medics have vowed to fight back against the Conservative minister's decision to force new contracts upon junior doctors.

No-one from Fareham Conservatives was available for comment when the Daily Echo contacted them.

But member of staff from the hotel confirmed the event was no longer taking place.

She told the Daily Echo: “It has been cancelled but we have no further comment.”

Earlier a user called Kim Woodall wrote a message on Facebook urging people to protest there.

It is unclear whether she is a junior doctor, but she wrote: “Jeremy Hunt is going to be at the Lysses Hotel in Fareham tonight foe a drinks reception from 6pm.

"It was on the local Conservative website but the post has been removed.

"If you are able to go and make yourself heard outside in support of junior doctors please do – and if not Please Share [sic] this so others can go and join the protest.

"It’s not just about money, it’s about tired doctors working shifts which makes it unsafe for patients.”