AN investigation is under way after a former Dartmouth town councillor had his election chances sabotaged on the morning of voting.

Dave Cawley believes malicious posters put up early on polling day last Thursday could have influenced voters and ruined his chances of winning back his seat on the town council.

He failed to get re-elected after pulling 421 votes, some 31 less than his nearest rival Gina Coles.

The Electoral Commission in London has warned whoever is responsible for the posters could be breaking the law and face a fine or even imprisonment.

Commission communications officer Megan Phillips said: 'Due to the poster containing election material and it being displayed during the regulated period, an imprint is required by law to be present on the front of the poster.

'This would be a potential breach of the Representation of the People Act 1983 and would be a matter for the police to look into.'

And South Hams Council says it is looking into the incident.

Up to a dozen posters were displayed in different locations on Thursday morning – including one outside the polling station at the Guildhall – saying: 'If you love the Tourist Information Centre, do not vote for Dave Cawley.'

The TIC has strenuously denied any knowledge of the posters, which also appeared on shop windows, an ice cream kiosk and town council noticeboard at Royal Avenue Gardens.

For more on this story, see this week's Dartmouth Chronicle