Conservative Activist Apologizes for Removing Labour Leaflet in Gloucester Ahead of General Election
A Conservative campaign volunteer has issued an apology after being caught on camera removing a Labour leaflet from a homeowner's letterbox in Gloucester. The incident took place at the residence of Anthony Buffin, whose doorbell camera recorded the Tory activist extracting a pamphlet previously delivered by a Labour campaigner.
The footage, widely shared online, underscores heightened canvassing activities as the UK approaches its general election scheduled for July 4. Local MP Richard Graham, representing Gloucester for the Conservative Party, acknowledged the incident and informed that his team has been reminded of the "ground rules of respect" during campaigning.
Buffin, who discovered the removal after hearing noises and checking his doorbell footage, shared the video on a community Facebook page. He expressed concerns about the integrity and trustworthiness of political representatives following the event.
Subsequently, Richard Graham emphasized the importance of respectful campaigning, stating, "We win by winning the argument about who is the best MP for Gloucester, not by removing and recycling other would-be MPs' claims."
The upcoming election sees competition for Graham's seat from candidates including Labour’s Alex McIntyre, Liberal Democrats’ Rebecca Trimnell, and Reform UK’s Chris Farmer. This election was called unexpectedly by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amid criticism, with opinion polls indicating a challenging path ahead for his Conservative Party.