LIBERAL Democrat candidate Alan Masters has accused Torfaen council of unfairly promoting the constituency's Labour candidate.

Mr Masters, a barrister on the Wales and Chester circuit, believes a picture of Paul Murphy in the latest edition of Torfaen Talk has given his rival an unfair advantage. The accusation has been dismissed by the council.

Mr Masters said: "The council has used taxpayers' money to promote one of the candidates in an election. This publication is not the Labour Party."

But a council spokesperson said: "The newspaper was prepared in April and printed in early May. It was delivered to the Royal Mail for distribution before the writ, relating to the general election, was received.

"The article was a factual account of an event of general significance and interest and had no political content.

"The council is clear about its legal obligation and responsibilities on the issue and has acted within the law."