Police are looking at allegations of electoral fraud after a Tory candidate shared a campaign poster which some claim implies Labour voters back him.
Robert Largan posted a red image with the slogan ‘Labour for Largan’. Mr Largan, who is campaigning to be re-elected in High Peak, Derbyshire, sparked anger by sharing the poster which has been branded “blatantly deceptive”.
Mr Largan also shared another one, captioned ‘Reform for Robert’ referring to the Reform UK party. On the Labour poster he wrote: “So many local Labour voters have told me they’re going to vote for me, because they want to keep me as their local MP. There have been so many that I’m launching a new Labour for Largan club.”
It earned him strong criticism, with fact check organisation Full Fact saying it gives the false impression he is backed by other political parties. Chief executive Chris Morris said: “These tactics are blatantly deceptive and play to some of the most cynical instincts in politics.
“If politicians want to be part of the solution to catastrophically low public trust, they need to commit to honest, transparent campaigns of persuasion and advocacy – not more dirty tricks.”
Derbyshire Police confirmed it has received complaints, which it is looking at. In a statement the force said: “We wish to confirm that we have received a number of messages in relation to claims of election fraud, raised due to concerns around marketing material. An incident has been created and will be reviewed.”
A spokesman for the Tory candidate said: “As Mr Largan’s social media posts and website make abundantly clear, large numbers of traditional Labour voters have been contacting him to tell him they plan to vote for him, despite him being a Conservative candidate.
“The same goes for Reform supporters – this is because of Mr Largan’s strong record of delivery in the High Peak. Therefore, supporters clubs of traditional Labour and Reform voters have been set up, to allow people to tell Mr Largan that they’re supporting him.
“These are called Labour for Largan and Reform for Robert. Such supporters’ clubs are not a new phenomenon.”
Mr Largan is defending a majority of just 590. After he shared his advert Carol Vorderman branded him a “desperate Tory” and added: “You were one of the whips rounding up others to vote for cruel policies. Majority of 590? Not long now”