A LABOUR supporter has reacted in anger after his car and home became the subject of a Tory leaflet barrage. As well as being placed on his Vauxhall Vectra, campaign literature had also been put through the letterbox of Jim Barker's house in Amhurst Gardens, Belton - despite the presence of a large sign outside his house showing where his political loyalties lie.

A LABOUR supporter has reacted in anger after his car and home became the subject of a Tory leaflet barrage.

As well as being placed on his Vauxhall Vectra, campaign literature had also been put through the letterbox of Jim Barker's house in Amhurst Gardens, Belton - despite the presence of a large sign outside his house showing where his political loyalties lie.

Mr Barker, son of Labour borough councillor Richard Barker, who died in February aged 53, said: “I know it happened after 9pm and before 11pm last Thursday, and I can deal with the leaflets through the letterbox, but when it's your private property it's a different matter - it's also far too late for such leaflets to be sent out.

“It could have scratched the car and I was angry, so I called up the local Conservative Party but never got a call back. All I wanted was an apology.”

The leaflets were in support of Tory prospective parliamentary candidate Brandon Lewis ahead of May's general election.

Chairman of the Great Yarmouth Labour Party, Colleen Walker, said Mr Lewis had to take ownership of the leafleting campaign.

She added: “I think it's absolutely pathetic. I think Brandon Lewis should apologise to Jim Barker, who is still recovering from the loss of his father, because it's the fault of his canvassing team.”

Barry Stone, Conservative Association chairman, told The Mercury: “Unfortunately, these leaflets were given by a volunteer to someone else to deliver. This teenager displayed over-exuberance and immaturity in his actions. The individuals concerned will not be delivering for the Conservative Party again.

“People get passionate during election campaigns, which can then boil over. We have seen that with the vandalism and removal of some of our election posters around the constituency.

“Our campaign is not going to be deflected by such actions, and we going to carry on getting our message across that Great Yarmouth needs a new MP.”