A ROW has erupted in Stockton Borough Council over a member's alleged misuse of the computer facilities.

The deputy leader of thecouncil, Councillor David Coleman, has been accused of breaking the authority's rules by using his council e-mail account for party political purposes.

Former councillor Steve Lunn claims Coun Coleman distributed e-mails giving advice on canvassing to other members ahead of last week's council elections.

Coun Lunn has sent a letter of complaint to Stockton Borough Council, which strictly forbids e-mailing for party political purposes.

A spokeswoman for the authority confirmed the allegation was being investigated.

Coun Coleman, a Labour councillor for the Portrack and Tilery ward, said: "I admit that I sent those e-mails but they were only sent to members of the Labour group and not to the whole authority."

He accused Mr Lunn of "mischief-making" and said he would be making a formal complaint himself to the authority over e-mails sent out by Mr Lunn which, he claimed, also contravened council rules.

The latest allegations follow recent controversy involving Thornaby independent councillors, who were accused by the Labour group of using council photocopiers to print political material.

Mr Lunn, who was de-selected from the Labour party and did not seek re-election in last week's election, said: "To me, the whole thing smacks of hypocrisy. They were quick to come down on the independents when they were caught at it and now they're doing it themselves."