Revealed: The Scandal of the Fake Newspapers Pushed by Conservatives in ‘Dirty Tricks’ Campaign

Byline Times has been inundated with examples of the Conservative Party publishing party-political leaflets dressed up as local newspapers in what appears to be a national campaign strategy.

On Wednesday, this newspaper reported that the Conservatives’ campaign tactics were branded “appalling” by one of Britain’s most renowned photojournalists after imitating a shuttered local newspaper to garner votes.

Lincoln Conservative MP Karl McCartney has issued a leaflet to residents branded as the ‘Lincoln Chronicle’ – the same name as a weekly newspaper in the seat that was closed 15 years ago, and which many residents remember. 

The tactic was used successfully in Uxbridge and South Ruislip last month, with the party’s ‘Uxbridge and South Ruislip People’ urging people to “Stop ULEZ” (Labour London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone expansion). The fake magazine mirrored the title of the local council-run Hillingdon People, which is meant to be apolitical. 

Byline Times asked the Lincolnshire Conservative Party why it was mimicking a defunct newspaper for party political purposes. We have still not received a response. 

However, on Thursday, McCartney hit out at the BBC for picking up this newspaper’s story and grilling him on his use of the fake newspaper.

He tweeted afterwards: “One Look North BBC minion [journalist] @peter_levy just called re non-story Labour are talking-up (attempting to) in Lincoln. For reference: my quality leaflet & its fact-based content that overshadows their poor attempt at campaigning). Typical of BBC News to dance to that tune.”

“[A] heated discussion ensued as I asked why Look North hadn’t called me re recent £2m secured Govt. funding for YMCA Lincs nor £4m secured Govt. funding for Lincoln’s new Diagnostic Centre in centre of the City for my constituents & others. No answer to that, too positive for them.”

Now Byline Times can reveal dozens more examples of fake newspapers – nearly all using the same template – issued by local Conservative Party candidates and MPs.