No Labour of love

8:27am Friday 2nd May 2008

Two candidates standing for election to Hertsmere Borough Council are heading for a high noon showdown today following a dispute over a leaflet.

Ann Harrison clashed last week with Frank Ward, a former Labour councillor who is now standing as an independent in Borehamwood's Cowley Hill ward.He used the term Independent Labour on hundreds of campaign leaflets he distributed around the town ahead of yesterday's poll.But Ms Harrison, Hertsmere Labour group leader, accused him of breaking electoral law by using the term, and reported him to the election's returning officer, Sajida Bijle.The results in 13 wards across the borough are due to be revealed at midday today, with Cowley Hill, currently represented by Ms Harrison, expected to be one of the most closely-fought.In an email sent to Ms Bijle on April 22, Ms Harrison wrote: "It has come to my attention that Frank Ward is campaigning and issuing election literature calling himself Independent Labour, which I understand to be a breach of electoral law."I would be grateful if you could investigate this and take appropriate action."Ms Bijle asked Mr Ward to remove the term from his material, saying Independent Labour is an "unrecognised party".But it later emerged that no legislation exists to stop the words being used, and Ms Harrison was forced to withdraw her complaint.Mr Ward hit back at the allegations, pointing out the leaflets had included the disclaimer: "I am totally independent of the Labour Party".He said: "I am extremely concerned that Ms Harrison has exploited the finite resources of the council to make what may only be described as an attempt by malice to discredit a former member of the Labour Party who may appeal to those who have previously supported her candidature."Ms Harrison defended her decision to complain, and said: "He was told he could not stand as Independent Labour on the ballot paper, but apparently you can put whatever you want on the leaflet. "It is confusing for people. Independent Labour won't appear on the ballot paper, so they may be confused. He likes attacking people, which I don't think is constructive."A council spokeswoman said: "In response to a complaint, Sajida Bijle wrote to Frank Ward to request the term be rem-oved from his literature."The council however has no legal power to insist that this happens, the complainant was notified of this and hence the complaint has been withdrawn."

• To see results for all seats in yesterday's election, click here from 10am today.

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