Blackburn independent councillor and General Election candidate Tiger Patel has protested over neighbouring Tory candidate Sir Jake Berry using a picture featuring him in his election leaflet.

The photograph was taken in April 2022 when Leader of the House of Commons Penny Mordaunt toured DHJ Weisters’ Anchor Mill base in Moss Fold Road Darwen.

It shows the town's MP Sir Jake Berry with supporters including Cllr Patel who quit the Conservative Party in October over the government’s refusal to condemn the siege of Gaza at a pro-Palestinian peace rally on the steps of the town hall.

The picture also shows 4BwD Cllr Amin Kapadia on the far left.

It now features in one of sitting Rossendale and Darwen MP and Tory general election candidate Sir Jake's campaign leaflets.

Little Harwood and Whitebirk ward's Cllr Patel said: "I am very upset and angry.

"This picture was taken in April 2022 when I and Cllr Kapadia were Conservatives.

"Since then I have resigned from the Tory Party so why is Sir Jake using this picture in his election leaflet?

"It is not right. I am now an independent. He should not be putting this picture in his election literature.

"I understand Cllr Kapadia is not happy either."

Sir Jake declined to comment.

Audley and Queens Park ward's Cllr Kapadia has been approached for comment.