General election candidate has campaign banners slashed

James Tasker, an independent councillor for Rainhill, is standing for the St Helens South and Whiston seat in the July 4 election, as the Star reported.

Mr Tasker, who said he has received a "positive warm response" while campaigning in the constituency, was upset to see that two of his banners had been slashed.

He said they were situated on private farmland, near to Rainhill Stoops roundabout.

Mr Tasker said he believes the vandalism to be "politically motivated" due to the banners having been in different locations.

He added that the vandalism has been reported to the police.

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"It is upsetting to be targeted like this," Mr Tasker said to the Star.

"I’ve been out across St Helens and Whiston over the last five weeks and had such a positive warm response from everyone I’ve met.

"People are fed up with the Tories and Labour. They want change and I’m trying to bring that. To be targeted like this is low and I hope whoever is behind it is caught."

James Tasker is competing for the St Helens South and Whiston seat (Image: St Helens Council)

On his campaign Facebook page, Mr Tasker said: "Our campaign has been fair, but it’s frustrating to see that some of our banners have been vandalised.

"I am self-funded, and I don’t have a national party to support me with financing. Everything that I have done up to now has only been possible with the kind donations of people across St Helens South & Whiston.

"As senseless and frustrating as it is to see mindless morons try to silence me all that this does is motivate me to fight on.

"We shall not be intimidated, we shall not be silenced."

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We can confirm that a report has been made in relation to criminal damage of two election banners on private land at Rainhill Stoops roundabout today, Thursday, June 27.

"Anyone with information can contact us @MerPolCC with reference 24000565324."