Darlington's MP has apologised for any confusion caused by recent campaign leaflets being presented under the name 'Darlington Champion'.

The leaflets have the appearance of a local newspaper and representatives of the Labour and Green parties have said that they see it as 'dishonest' and 'underhand'.

Peter Gibson, MP for Darlington, explained that he has created many 'newspapers, newsletters and magazines' highlighting the work he has done in the constituency.

He believes that this most recent leaflet is a way to share his achievements with residents in the area.

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Mr Gibson said: "In a multi-media, multi-channel age it is a challenge to create publications that are engaging and grab attention.

"To the best of my knowledge, Darlington has never had a Darlington Champion or Darlington Matters newspaper. 

"Political parties have been using a mock newspaper style for publications for at least 30 years.

The Northern Echo: Peter Gibson has apologised for any confusion caused by the Darlington Champion

"I am sorry if any Darlington resident has been confused about the receipt of a Darlington Champion through their letterbox. 

"Politicians can be criticised for not keeping in touch and not letting people know what they are doing for their residents.

"I genuinely don't believe that is true of this Darlington MP."

Stephen Harker, Leader of the Labour Party on Darlington Council, described the newsletter as 'dishonest'.

He said: "I don't think it uses the word conservative very many times inside.

"It's dreadful. Basically the people I have spoken to have thought it was a new local paper.

"It has the look and feel of a free paper. 

"There have been other newsletters released in the area but none of them have looked like this.

"The lack of party colours is noticeable.

"There is just an element of dishonesty about the whole thing."

Bryony Holroyd, deputy leader of Darlington's Green Party, believes that it hints there may be an election coming sooner than expected.

She said: "It appears to show that the Conservatives are ashamed.

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"It appears to shy away from using the word conservative.

"I take a cycnical approach that anything goes in politics but it is a bit underhand.

"The fact that this is part of a national picture of other supposed newspapers appearing may be an indication that there is a general election coming sooner than we think."