Labour in show of local elections panic

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Apr 2008

Labour are getting desperate in the battle for control at the Town Hall

The leader of the Labour Group on Sheffield City Council has written to local union members to spread untruths and warn of the 'very real threat' that the Liberal Democrats will gain control of the Council in the May local elections. In a desperate attempt to try and cling onto power in Sheffield UNISON have forwarded Cllr Jan Wilson's letter all their members in Sheffield asking them to vote Labour. The letter makes a number of false claims about the local Liberal Democrats.

Local Lib Dem Group leader Cllr Paul Scriven has commented that the letter is a clear sign of desperation from Labour. He has urged all local people receiving election literature from Labour to be wary of 'blatant fibs' about the Lib Dems.

Cllr Scriven has also highlighted that the posted letter from UNISON should still be included in Labour's election expenses.

Cllr Paul Scriven, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, said: -

"This letter is a clear sign of desperation from Labour. The fact that Cllr Wilson mentions the 'very real threat' of the Lib Dems gaining control of the Council shows that they are clearly worried. I look forward to seeing the cost of these letters included in Labours election expenses."

"This letter contains a number of inaccuracies and is a blatant attempt to try and spread untruths. As we get closer to the election it's clear that Labour are becoming more and more desperate and spreading blatant fibs, local people should be wary of this."

"I would urge all everyone receiving these untruthful letters to bear this in mind and if they are in doubt about anything, contact the Liberal Democrats so they can have a balanced view when they cast their vote at the local elections."

"Some members of UNISON have contacted me to say they are upset that their union subs are being used in this way. It's important that everyone makes their own mind up on who they are going to vote for, rather than being overly pressurised by any organisation."