Tory election candidate criticised for joking he could use position to overturn parking fine

The Conservative Party’s main local election hope in Newcastle has been criticised for appearing to joke that he could use his position to overturn a parking fine if he becomes a councillor.

Doc Anand, the Tories’ candidate in Gosforth, has come under fire from his Liberal Democrat rivals over a social media video he posted last weekend about a parking ticket he received on a visit to Eldon Square in the city centre. In the two and a half minute Facebook clip filmed while eating at the Job Bulman pub, the former GP complained that he was handed a fine after being unable to access the online system to pay for his parking.

After telling viewers that he will appeal the penalty, he winks repeatedly to the camera and says: “By then I might be in the council, let’s see what happens.” The remark, which he said was made in jest, has been condemned by the Lib Dems – following a scandal in Liverpool last year, uncovered by the Liverpool Echo, in which elected councillors were accused of using “back door” routes to have their parking tickets thrown out.

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Newcastle Lib Dem opposition leader Colin Ferguson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The Tories need to tell the public if they think it's reasonable, even in jest, for candidates to suggest they will abuse elected office for personal gain. Only last year, councillors in Liverpool were castigated for being caught out doing exactly this.

"With trust in politics low, all candidates and elected members should strive towards the highest possible standards of public conduct. Several local residents have been in touch to express their shock at these bizarre claims from the Tory candidate. Local people deserve an apology and a retraction at a bare minimum."

Mr Anand, who has repeatedly gone up against the Lib Dems in their Gosforth stronghold at recent local elections, replied that he had made the comment "in jest in an informal pub environment”. He added: “This does not detract from the many years of hard work I have contributed to Gosforth; which has received a three-digit increase [in votes] year on year from the Gosforth community.

“I look forward to continuing my work and dedication to Gosforth now and in the future with growing support from local residents who are putting party politics aside to back me to give us the fresh start we need.”

Mr Anand, who polled 33% of the vote in Gosforth last year as he finished as runner-up, is viewed as the Tories’ best chance of ending a decades-long losing streak in Newcastle. The last time the party managed to get a councillor elected in the city was in 1992.