LABOUR'S Marcus Johnstone has hit back at claims that he has become the invisible man of Ribble Valley politics.

He says the implication by Conservative MP opponent, Nigel Evans, that he has become merely a "paper candidate", leaving the way clear for a real challenge by the Liberal Democrats at the General Election is "so ridiculous that it is laughable."

And the prospective Labour candidate has challenged the MP to a public debate and says Mr Evans will be the one to disappear at the coming polls.

The offending comments came in a Sunday newspaper report in which Tory Party activists alleged a unwritten pact between Labour and the Lib Dems, allowing the party with the better chance of defeating sitting Tory MPs a fairly clear run in the coming election.

Mr Evans captured the Ribble Valley seat from the Liberal Democrats who had held it briefly after a by-election caused by the retirement of former Tory Home Secretary David Waddington.

Mr Evans accused Burnley Councillor Mr Johnstone of becoming invisible in the pre-poll campaign. He added: "The Liberal Democrats now control the local council with the help of one Labour member.

"Mr Johnstone, who started very well has done virtually nothing in this constituency for the last 12 months. You could be forgiven for thinking he has pulled out altogether."

Coun Johnstone has responded by sending the MP a list of events and activities he is involved in in the Ribble Valley and accuses Mr Evans of becoming invisible in his own constituency by refusing to share a debating platform.

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