An election for a new Ludlow town councillor was mired in last-minute controversy when one candidate accused the eventual winner of distributing illegal flyers.

Jennifer Leyton-Purrier won yesterday’s election for the Gallows Bank ward on Ludlow Town Council. But her triumph was overshadowed by a row over illegal flyer claims.

Opponent Michael Bradley accused her of producing flyers without stating who had published them.

Mr Bradley claimed the posters contravened electoral law. The matter has now been referred to the police.

Mrs Leyton-Purrier has insisted there was a printing error and has apologised.

Mrs Leyton-Purrier received 247 votes, while former town councillor Mr Bradley polled 108 and Andrew Locke 64.

Mr Bradley, speaking ahead of yesterday’s poll, said: “I’ve taken advice from the elections officer at Shirehall.

“They decide what you can do and cannot do yet they are refusing to disqualify this candidate for illegal flyers.

“They are saying it is a criminal offence.

“When one distributes a flyer for elections, one must place upon the bottom who it’s been published by, with their address by it and who printed it.

“Jennifer Leyton-Purrier hasn’t done any of this so the flyer is illegal.”

Mrs Leyton-Purrier said: “There was an error in the printing process.

“The information is on some of the copies and not others, it was there in the original draft.

“I have been in touch with Shropshire Council, but this is not a political election, it’s a town council election. It’s a mistake and I can only apologise.”

She said she was “thrilled” to have won the election.

Simon Alton, spokesman for Shropshire Council, said: “We are aware of the complaint and have advised the candidate that it is a matter for the police, as stated by Electoral Commission rules.”

Mr Bradley said he had e-mailed Ludlow Inspector Jamie Dunn to ask what action he would be taking, if any.

Inspector Dunn said: “A communication has been received and it’s being looked into.”

By Hannah Costigan