Tories launch unprecedented billboard campaign

Conservative parliamentary candidate Chris Philp has commissioned two billboards promoting his campaign in what is thought to be an unprecedented move to impress voters. While political parties regularly use billboard advertising in the run-up to elections on a national level, it is highly unusual for constituency candidates to post up their own personalised adverts. The publicity has been paid for donations out of local party members, the Tories said.
The two giants ads have been placed outside West Hampstead station and in Kensal Rise, and show Mr Philp taking credit for the campaign to keep police stations open in the borough.
Lib Dem rival Ed Fordham also claims to have played a pivotal role in the furore over the suggestion that police station might close. Mr Philp's opponents were today (Tuesday) said to be shocked at the lengths the Conservatives have gone to in order to steal a march in what promises to be a tight battle against Labour's Glenda Jackson and Mr Fordham for the Hampstead and Kilburn seat. Mr Philp said the constituency was regarded as a 'battleground' seat by Conservative central office and among a series of targets that the Tories feel they need to win in order to ensure victory at the General Election.

RICHARD OSLEY