THE Liberal Democrats have come under fire once again over the use of misleading campaign material in the general election.
At a glance, the "Mid Hampshire Gazette" looks like a a real newspaper, splashing on the news that Paula Ferguson, the Lib Dem candidate for Winchester, "leads the way" with voters switching to the Lib Dems in the local area. However, on closer inspection, small print at the top right of the page reveals that it is in fact published by the Liberal Democrats.
Katie French, the editor of the weekly Basingstoke Gazette, criticised the party over their "free newspaper" which shares a similar name to her publication and is distributed in the nearby area.
Basingstoke and Winchester are only 18 miles apart.
Speaking to Channel 4 News, French said: “It is deeply worrying that despite much debate about transparency and honesty, the Liberal Democrats here in Hampshire have shamelessly exploited the trusted format of a local newspaper for their own political gain.
“This is nothing more than a political advertisement dressed up as a newspaper. The look and feel of this advertisement is very convincing and readers will have to spot the small print in the top right corner to see the so-called Mid Hampshire Gazette is published by the Liberal Democrats.
“This is a flagrant attempt to manipulate voters by presenting them an advertisement in the form of a front page news story. Frankly it is insulting to the public who deserve better from one of the leading political parties.
“It is also offensive to local journalists, including my team, who work very hard to be the trusted and balanced voices in the community.
“As non-broadcast political adverts are largely exempt from regulation, we will be writing a letter of complaint to the Liberal Democrat party.”
A spokesperson for the party defended the publiocation, telling Channel 4: “Liberal Democrats pride ourselves on working hard locally all year round on the issues that matter to local people.
“During an election period this even more important and we are committed to informing people about the issues that matter to them.”
These quotes attributed to Sky News and the Guardian in a Lib Dem leaflet are - wait for it - ACTUALLY JO SWINSON QUOTES that appeared in Sky News and Guardian articles. Astounding. pic.twitter.com/650zzh6PQ7
— Steph/en Paton ❄️ (@stephenpaton134) November 6, 2019
The Lib Dems have repeatedly been criticsed for using misleading leaflets and quotes throughout the general election.
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