Tory accused of 'misleading' campaign material slams 'spurious complaints' as police take no action

A Conservative candidate who was slammed over 'misleading' campaign material has been cleared by police. Officers received a slew of complaints over graphics published online by Robert Largan at the weekend.

The former High Peak MP, who is standing for re-election on July 4, posted red 'Labour for Largan' and bright blue 'Reform for Robert' signs on social media - in the colours of both rival parties. He claimed they were part of a campaign for Labour and Reform UK supporters to pledge their support to him instead.

Derbyshire Police stated on Saturday night (June 1) that it was reviewing complaints made about the campaign material, but it an update the force has confirmed it will take no further action. Mr Largan, who grew up in Whitefield and previously contested the Bury South seat, has now broken his silence on the matter - condemning those who have labelled him 'a criminal' in recent days.

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He said: "Over a slow news weekend, some very online people have got themselves a bit worked up. I'm proud of the fact that some local Labour voters and Reform voters are switching to support me, based on my local record of delivery.

"I make no apology for reaching across the party political divide to try and represent everyone in the High Peak. I appreciate that might be an alien concept for some people who spend all their life on social media.

"I've no problem with people disagreeing with my politics. However, it gets very serious when people waste police time with spurious complaints and publish false statements that I'm a criminal who has broken election law. Not only is that highly defamatory, but it also risks breaching S106 of the Representation of the People Act 1983.

"In light of the statement from Derbyshire Police confirming that I have done nothing wrong and that I was never under investigation, I invite those who have been so quick to attack and smear me to consider showing some grace and now publish clarifications and apologise. If not, I may have to consider legal action."

Crucially, both the Labour for Largan and Reform for Robert graphics included the 'imprint' which is required under election law. This stated that the material had been produced on behalf of High Peak Conservatives.

But that did not stop Mr Largan facing a barrage of criticism online from people who considered the material 'misleading' - with some suggesting it was 'confusing vulnerable people'. In a statement to the Telegraph, the Electoral Commission stated that its 'remit does not extend to the content or style of campaign material'.

However, the Electoral Commission's spokesperson added: "We encourage all candidates to consider how voters will understand their campaign materials.” A Derbyshire Police spokesperson said: "We received a number of messages reporting concerns in relation to promotional material issued by a prospective candidate standing for a political party in the forthcoming UK General Election.

"Specialist detectives have now reviewed these reports and the electronic material, which includes the required imprint, saying who promoted the material and who the material was published on behalf of. Having assessed the electronic material, Derbyshire Constabulary confirm that no criminal offences have been committed and no further action is necessary."