Organisers of the campaign to save a local hospital say they have not heard of Conservative John Howell, despite his claims to have supported their campaign.

The information came to light after John Howell claimed to have supported the campaign to save Townlands Hospital in Henley in his election literature.

Commenting, Chief Executive of the Liberal Democrats, Lord Rennard said:

“Mr Howell claims to have supported a campaign to save a local hospital. But the chair of the hospital campaign says that they hadn’t heard of him and is unaware of any contribution that he has made to the campaign.

“This is further evidence that the Conservatives have blundered over their choice of candidate.

“People want an MP that they can trust.”