Boris Johnson campaigning in Henley today has written to LibDem campaign chief Lord Rennard about a glossy magazine that is being circulated which, at a quick glance, appears to include a column from Boris. This is the letter and you can see the offending back cover below it:
"Dear Lord Rennard
My attention has been drawn to your shameful leaflet masquerading as some sort of independent Oxfordshire magazine.
I ask that you immediately withdraw it since on the back page you have what purports to be a picture by-line opinion piece from me giving my assessment of the candidates in the Henley by-election. This is simply a shameful exercise in misrepresentation.
Many readers will be taken in by this deceit and the people of Henley and South Oxfordshire deserve better. This is the latest low point in a long and undistinguished history of Liberal Democrat campaigning. It is sad that you have plumbed these new depths.
I ask that you withdraw this misleading leaflet without delay.
Best wishes
Boris Johnson."
THERE IS STILL ROOM ON THE CONSERVATIVEHOME COACH FROM LONDON TO HENLEY THIS SUNDAY. EMAIL US IF YOU ARE UP FOR CAMPAIGNING TO KEEP HENLEY BLUE.
BACK COVER OF LIBDEM MAGAZINE (CLICK TO ENLARGE)
Related link: The LibDems are fighting dirty - join me in the campaign writes John Howell.
Update: According to this Lib Dem forum, the central party kept the contents of this leaflet secret from their own activists until the last minute, while talking up its effectiveness: