Jo Swinson target of anonymous smear campaign

by Stephen Tall on April 12, 2010

This how today’s Sun reports the story:

A LIB-DEM MP has called in cops after an anonymous smear campaign was launched against her. Trouble-makers claiming to represent the East Dunbartonshire Taxpayers’ Alliance have sent letters to hundreds of voters across the region blackening the name of Jo Swinson, who is standing again on May 6. …

Ms Swinson said: “I’ve reported it to the police and they are investigating because the anonymous nature of this makes it illegal. It is clearly designed to damage my chances but I think a lot of people have seen through it.”

She saddedd [sic]: “This is not the way politics should be conducted, and I’m extremely concerned about the context in which it’s been put – alongside mention of criminal and immoral activities.”

Matthew Elliott, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said the letters were nothing to do with them.

Best of luck to Jo in fighting back against the anonymous smear campaign.

Of course it’s not the first time Jo’s expenses claims have been subjected to viscious and sexist smears – last year it was the Telegraph, the BBC and the Guardian which were peddling the myths, as James Graham noted here on LDV, and on his own blog.