Derbyshire Labour party apologise as flyers posted through Chesterfield letterboxes in 'error' following Prince Phillip's death

Flyers urging residents to vote for Labour candidates Dave Allen in the upcoming Derbyshire County Council elections and Hardyal Dhindsa for Police and Crime Commissioner, were ‘mistakenly’ posted to homes in Hasland over the weekend, due to a communication error the party said.

While all major political parties have temporarily suspended election campaigning in Derbyshire as a mark of respect for the Duke of Edinburgh’s passing, residents were surprised to receive a leaflet promoting Labour candidates on Saturday, April 10.

Derbyshire County Council’s Labour Party said the ‘genuine mistake’ was made by a volunteer.

The county’s council elections and the Police and Crime Commissioner elections are due to be held on May 6.

But Denis Price, who lives in Hasland, said he was ‘disgusted’ to find a Labour party flyer posted through his door the day after Prince Phillip died.

He added: “There had been plenty of publicity about the Duke of Edinburgh's passing, all the parties had decided that campaigning would be stopped.

"They made us all aware that campaigning would be stopped and then low and behold what do we get?

"The local Labour party shoving a leaflet through the door.

"All the councils in Derbyshire had agreed to do that and when that agreement has been reached, you expect them to honour it.”

A spokesperson for the Derbyshire County Council Labour Group said: “Labour’s Dave Allen, current councillor for the Birdholme Division on Derbyshire County Council, and candidate for the upcoming elections confirmed that unfortunately leaflets had been put through doors in the area on Saturday but stressed that this was due to a communication error rather than a deliberate snub to the campaign suspension.

"This was a genuine mistake, for which Cllr Allen apologies profusely for any offence caused.

"The deliveries were made by a volunteer, who he hadn’t been able to get in touch with in time to inform them that all campaigning had been suspended.

"Due to this the person concerned wasn’t aware of the suspension.

"However, they have subsequently been contacted and will not be delivering anything further during this important time of reflection for the country.”

Outrage after Derbyshire councillor labelled Prince Phillip a 'massive racist'

Chesterfield Climate Alliance to hold virtual hustings event on environment ahead of Derbyshire County Council elections

Local Elections 2021: all candidates standing for Derbyshire County Council

A message from Phil Bramley, Derbyshire Times Editor

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper.