Deputy leader of Pendle Council filmed removing rival election leaflet from letterbox

Coun. David Whipp, the deputy leader of Pendle Borough Council and county councillor for the Pendle Rural division, was reported to the police after he was seen removing a Conservative leaflet from a letterbox and replacing it with his own Liberal Democrat leaflet.

The Barnoldswick-based councillor, who is standing for re-election in the Earby and Coates ward on May 6th, admitted he removed the leaflet but later said it had been returned to the letterbox.

A resident who contacted Leader and Times about the allegation said: "It raises concerns about the integrity of local councillors with the local elections imminent.

"Disappointing from the deputy leader of the borough council who is also a county councillor. Perhaps other Lancashire residents should be aware if he is part of the mechanism making Lancashire-wide policy decisions."

A still from the householder's CCTV posted on two Facebook groups, Action for Marsden and Southfield, and Colne and Pendle Noticeboard shows Mr Whipp removing a Tory election leaflet from the letterbox and stuffing it into his pocket while posting his own Lib Dem leaflet.

Philip Mousdale, Pendle Council s Returning Officer and Corporate Director, said: "We have received a complaint about this and it is being investigated by the police."