The Conservatives have issued an election leaflet in Eastbourne titled 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory', after Liberal Democrat candidate Amanda Morris made the comment six months ago. Ms Morris, who is standing for Old Town, has admitted the remark was wrong, but the Tories are now using it to attack their opposition.
Former Conservative MP Caroline Ansell, running for Sovereign ward, said she was 'dismayed' by the comment, noting she had received death threats in 2017. 'Having lived through the experience of a death threat and what it did to my family, it is especially painful,' she said. 'If elected, she would be my local councillor.'
Ms Morris told the Eastbourne Herald: 'It was wrong for me to say what I said, and I have totally taken on board I have a responsibility to use my words carefully. I'm new to politics, and obviously will make a few mistakes along the way. And learn from them.' She said her comment was made in response to Conservative MPs using 'shocking language' about Theresa May, including telling her to 'bring her own noose' to a meeting.
Mrs Ansell rejected this justification, saying: 'Attempting to justify the use of that sort of language by suggesting others were using similar at the time is frankly not good enough.' The leaflet has also drawn criticism on social media, with some accusing the Tories of 'lazy campaigning' and seeking to make political capital from the remark.
