Paddick caught in EU fund row over campaign leaflet

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The Tories called for an official inquiry after it emerged that one of Mr Paddick's recent leaflets was "supported by" the Liberal Democrats' grouping in the European Parliament.

Under strict rules, EU taxpayers' cash cannot be used to fund party political propaganda during an election period.

The four-page leaflet which has triggered the row was sent out last month by Lib-Dem HQ. It featured Mr Paddick opposing the closure of police stations across London. But a page highlighting the work of MEP Sarah Ludford carried the slogan "This column is supported by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats".

Mr Paddick's agent Andrew Reeves said that he had decided not to apply for EU funds to pay for the leaflet after it became clear that some of the material may have been sent out after 17 March, when the official mayoral campaign started and the "purdah" period was imposed.

However, Bob Neill, shadow London minister, said: "This appears to be a serious misuse of taxpayers' money in support of a political campaign."