Lib Dem Voice has picked up on a rather embarrassing story in today’s Watford Observer: “Ian Oakley, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Watford, has been arrested in connection with a hate campaign directed at the town’s local Liberal Democrat group.”

Mr Oakley, who is also a councillor for the London Borough of Hillingdon, is thought to have been arrested yesterday (Friday).

A police statement, released today (Saturday) said: “We can confirm a 31-year-old man from West Drayton was arrested on Friday, yesterday, in connection with a series of criminal damage and harassment offences, the victims of which were local members of a national political party.

“He has been given police bail pending further enquiries.”

…

As well as poison pen letters, the police operations has encompassed criminal damage to property. It is known car tyres have been slashed and bodywork damaged.

According to the Observer’s report, the harassment for which Oakley has been arrested has been going on since 2005.