Campaigning defended

The Liberal Democrats have defended their decision to campaign in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire on the weekend after Prince Philip’s death following criticism from other parties which abstained.

The party’s deputy group leader on Peterborough City Council said campaigning was suspended on Friday before recommencing last weekend “in a low key way”.

Cllr Christian Hogg also insisted that the Lib Dems had received no complaints and he hit out at the Conservatives for “weaponthe sad passing of a much-loved member of the Royal Family for party political purposes”.

Deputy leader of the Conservative-controlled council, Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, had described the decision to campaign over the weekend “disgraceful” and said Lib Dem party leader Ed Davey should be “ashamed”.

Cllr Hogg said: “Following the sad announcement of the passing of Duke of Edinburgh, Peterborough Liberal Democrats suspended campaigning on Friday in line with the cross-party agreement reached nationally. It was noted that other activities, such as the Grand National and other sporting activities, continued throughout the weekend. No other activity other than the television scheduling seemed to have been affected, so it was decided to recommence in a low key way on Saturday, mainly by way of delivery of leaflets.

“Full campaigning returned on Monday morning. We have received no complaints from members of the public about our activities.

“What we have seen, however, is some Conservative councillors and candidates on Twitter and Facebook, in some cases using swear words and aggressive language.”