Exclusive by Graham Brough
David Cameron is relying on an army of hunt supporters helping
Tory workers in today's Henley by-election. Scores are expected on the streets of the town.
Leaked correspondence seen by the Mirror shows 300 pro-hunters
were out at last month's Crewe and Nantwich by-election, helping Tory members canvas for winner Edward Timpson.
They were members of Vote OK, a single issue lobby group which
wants to bring back hunting.
They were under strict instructions not to
talk about hunting and give the impression they were Tory aides. Henley candidate John Howell will have a
similar number in the safe Tory seat, - Boris Johnson's until he became London Mayor.
Hunt supporters were called to a meeting
of election helpers Mr Cameron addressed in Henley this month. His own election leaflets were posted by volunteers
from his local Heythrop Hunt.
One of its regulars is Charles Mann, a leader of Vote OK, who wrote in
a leaked email about Henley: "All this effort ... will build towards repeal."
Vote OK emails to hunts add: "Why all this effort
...? To achieve (our) aim of helping to deliver a government favourable to repeal."
Robbie Marsland, of the International Fund
for Animal Welfare, said: "Vote OK footsoldiers are acting like wolves in sheep's clothing. They hide their real agenda because
they know most are repulsed by blood sports."
Labour MP Phyllis Starkey said: "This is
fundamentally dishonest and undermines democracy." (story)
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