A ROW has broken out over a Labour leaflet for the borough elections which it is claimed has defamed Bexley Council leader Councillor Teresa O’Neill.

The leaflet, put out in various wards, states the council leader was convicted of fraud and is currently serving a community punishment order.

Cllr O’Neill says it is meant to be a reference to the former leader and former London deputy mayor, Ian Clement, but reads as if it is about the current council leader, who is her.

After consulting a solicitor, she wrote to the Labour Party to complain and was told people would see it was a reference to Mr Clement.

But Cllr O’Neill is not happy and says she will not be letting the matter rest.

She said: “I will be taking it further. This is disgraceful behaviour.

“I took over from Mr Clement two years ago, after 30 years‘ experience working in the City.“

No one was available for comment from the Labour Party