THE leader of a group of Independent councillors on a local authority has objected to Labour local election leaflets claiming that they have 'no influence'.

Cllr Mustafa Desai of the 4 BwD group on Blackburn with Darwen Council has complained to its chief executive Denise Park about the literature circulating in Little Harwood and Whitebirk, Central and Audley and Queen's Park wards.

He accuses Labour of misleading voters in advance of Thursday's poll and says the leaflets are 'factually incorrect and a deliberate attempt to discredit not only the Independent candidates, but also the sitting Independent councillors'.

But Cllr Phil Riley, Labour leader of the authority, has defended the fliers as 'a statement of fact'.

The leaflets issued in support of candidates Naushad Surve, Faryad Hussain and Likayat Patel say: "At these times there will be some people saying to you that by voting for an independent you will be sending a message to Labour.

"These people are merely interested in making a political point.

"Independent councillors have no influence.

"They are not part of the decision making process and they sit on the sidelines when most important discussions take place."

The 4 BwD group was formed when seven Labour councillors quit the party over the leadership's stance on the Gaza conflict and are fielding 10 candidates in Thursday's poll.

Former Conservative Cllr Altaf 'Tiger' Patel who quit his party for the same reasons is standing as an Independent in Little Harwood and Whitebirk.

Cllr Desai said: "Contrary to the misinformation the Labour party have delivered during the current campaign, the independents if elected have access to the same council resources, same services, same officers and the same training and development opportunities therefore are able to represent the constituents at exactly the same level as the mainstream parties.

"The independents also have the opportunity to challenge, scrutinise or support decision and policies that impact the people of the borough and most importantly without having to toe the party line."

Cllr Riley said: "It is a simple statement of fact that Independent councillors have no influence unless they are in the majority.

"I have no doubt we will remain in control of the council.

"Mustafa when he was in charge of adult social care in the Labour group had real influence over issues that really matter to people."

Ms Park replied to Cllr Desai's complaint saying: "I can only refer you to the Electoral Commission guidance on offences which states that campaign publicity material must not contain a false statement as to the personal character or conduct of another candidate."