LABOUR has been accused of a dirty tricks campaign in Darwen's Earcroft by-election after the party admitted targeting a rival candidate.

Last Thursday's by-election had added significance because Labour only has a tentative hold on power at Blackburn with Darwen Council.

But Darwen Independents, a group set up by local activists who claim their town always comes second to Blackburn, are livid Labour told people about a candidate's past as an organiser for the BNP. Trevor Maxfield said he left the BNPsoon after joining. Labour took both seats in the election easing the need to rely on the votes of the six defectors who left the party shortly after last month's elections to form a new independent group. Michael Johnson, organiser for the independent candidates, said: "It's just dirty tricks. Trevor was an organiser for the BNP but left as soon as he got to know more about them.

"Labour are quick to point that out but they don't seem too bothered about telling people he was also a card carrying member of their party for years."

Labour council leader Kate Hollern, who organised the Earcroft by-election, said: "Trevor Maxfield is a former member of the BNP, which has been reported previously in the Evening Telegraph.

"This is someone who said he didn't realise how extreme the party was until he was thoroughly involved with it.

"Surely that calls into question his ability to make sensible decisions.

"The people of of Earcroft deserve better. It shows a lack of judgement and these are not the best assets to have as a prospective councillor.

"It is only right that we point out the background of the candidates so people can make a reasonable judgement on who to vote for. We have no hesitation in doing that."

The Independents complained to Linda Comstive, Blackburn with Darwen's legal officer.

Phil Watson, returning officer for the election said: "This is not a matter for the returning officer. It is up to individual candidates and parties to promote their case, and if necessary rebut claims they consider to be wrong."