A CAMPAIGN leaflet released to give the Conservatives an advantage in a high profile by-election has been slammed as ‘atrocious’ by the Liberal Democrats.

The leaflet, which is decorated in Liberal Democrat colours, criticises the party and the candidate in the Emmbrook by-election, town councillor, Imogen Shepherd-Dubey.

It does not make it apparent that the leaflet was released by the Conservatives, with the candidate’s name printed in smaller text on the back.

Liberal Democrat councillor, Prue Bray, said: “It’s extremely interesting that they are so desperate that they have to make up claims and put voters off voting.

“We have spoken to people today and they are appalled.”

The leaflet claims that the candidate lives outside the Emmbrook ward, which the Liberal Democrats concede, but they believe the Conservatives do the same.

Cllr Prue Bray added: “We believe at least 12 of their councillors live outside their ward. It’s desperate. Nothing they have done has had any impact on us.”

It was allegedly released yesterday to stop the party from responding, with the by-election taking place today.

Labour councillor, Andy Croy, also criticised the leaflet, claiming it was a ‘cowardly’ act carried out by the Conservatives.

He said: “I don’t know how the Tories operate, but if they have the same top-down, bully boy and secretive approach to electoral campaigning as they are accused of having on the council, then who knows what is going on.”

Cllr Bray added: “It’s a disgrace and they should be ashamed of themselves.”

The News has contacted the Conservatives and are awaiting a comment.