‘Sneaky’ Tories come under fire over leaflet

Dec 10 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

TORIES in Wirral have been accused of using “sneaky tactics” to gain an advantage in a Labour stronghold.

Wallasey MP Angela Eagle last night criticised local Conservatives after a leaflet was circulated in Seacombe claiming that popular Labour councillor John Salter was standing down.

They say the Tory leaflet was distributed at a time when Cllr Salter is away on a family holiday, celebrating his retirement.

But Conservatives claimed they had been told by Labour that Cllr Salter was standing down and denied they had acted “maliciously”.

Angela Eagle said: “How low will the Tories sink?

“This is a disgraceful way to behave particularly because John is not here to defend himself. These tactics are sneaky, sly and show the Tories are not fit to represent the people of Wirral.”

Seacombe is traditionally a safe Labour seat.

Last night, Ian Lewis, chairman of Wallasey Conservatives, said they had been told by Labour of Cllr Salter’s intention to step down.

He added: “It appears Angela Eagle is a bit out of touch with what’s happening in Wallasey.

“One of her own councillors phoned the Conservative Chief Whip to advise that John Salter would be stepping down.

“Our comments about John were not malicious or ill-intentioned, indeed we congratulated him on coming top in the 2004 elections. I’m afraid the Christmas spirit does not appear to have reached Ms Eagle or her colleagues in the Treasury yet.”

But, in a press release issued by Ms Eagle’s office, Cllr Salter denied he would be stepping down.

He said: “The Tories have told a downright lie”

liammurphy