'Mindless vandalism' of campaign posters condemned by parties

A Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate whose campaign sign was vandalised with the words 'vote Reform' has called the situation "depressing".

South Suffolk Lib Dem candidate Tom Bartleet said six of his signs have been vandalised between Newton and Hadleigh, with one of them in Sudbury, in recent days.

One of the signs on the A1071 between Boxford and Hadleigh had the words 'Nah' and 'Vote Reform' written on it in black pen.

Tom Bartleet's sign with 'nah - vote Reform' written on it (Image: Submitted by Lee Parker)

Another of Mr Bartleet's signs that was vandalised (Image: Submitted by Lee Parker)

Mr Bartleet branded the incident "mindless vandalism" and said: "For me, it is just really depressing. We need more democracy and information, not less, particularly at the moment."

He said there is no evidence to suggest who was behind the move and added: "It is hard to know and not appropriate to say unless you know, but when someone writes 'nah, vote Reform' on a banner, that says something.

Tom Bartleet, who is standing as candidate for the Lib Dems (Image: Tom Bartleet)

"I am just really sad about it that we can't have a democratic process where people don't just want to smash things."

Beverley England, Reform candidate for South Suffolk, said: "We do not condone the removal of candidate's signs or writing over them."

Beverley England, Reform candidate for South Suffolk (Image: Beverley England)

Mr Bartleet said the incident has been reported to police.

Also running in South Suffolk is James Cartlidge for the Conservatives, Jessie Carter for the Green Party and Emma Bishton for Labour.

Mr Cartlidge is defending the majority of 22,897 he won at the 2019 General Election.

The 2024 General Election will be held on Thursday, July 4.