AN election candidate is facing calls to apologise after getting embroiled in a foul-mouthed social media spat with a competitor.

Christopher Lee, of the Greenstead Independents, is alleged to have directed a number of comments towards incumbent Labour candidate Tim Young via Facebook.

The comments were made on a post by a constituent who had raised concerns about motorcycles on the Greenstead estate, where both men will face off in the local elections next month.

But it is alleged the political mudslinging got out of hand and abusive comments were made towards Mr Young.

It is claimed Mr Lee told Mr Young to “f*** off ”, called his opponent a number of expletives and is said to have posted “I’ll fight for what I believe in - that’s not a f****** metaphor”.

Mr Young said he was considering whether or not to report the abuse to Essex Police.

He said: “I think it is about time he was exposed for being the foul mouthed person he is.

“I have experienced this before many times and so have many other people in Colchester including the town’s MP Will Quince.

“I have been in politics for a long time and I can engage in robust debate but this was abusive and full of expletives.

“I am used to getting a bit of abuse but this is beyond the pale.

“Criticise my policies or the Labour Party but do not launch into personal abuse.

“We are supposed to be living in a democracy.”

Mr Young said if he receives a full apology from the independent candidate he will not take the matter to the authorities.

He said: “I hope he would not carry our any of his threats but it still slightly concerning.

“If he is prepared to look at his actions and his words and apologise then I will leave it at that but if not then I may have to go to the police.”

The comments have since been removed from the social networking site by the member of the public who put the original post online.

Speaking to The Gazette Mr Lee said he would not be saying sorry to Mr Young who he alleges has lied to residents about issues like garden communities in the ward.

He said: “I am more likely to say it again than apologise.

"He says he felt threatened because it is election season.

“If he feels overly threatened then it is a matter for the police.”

Mr Lee added on Twitter he would apologise if Mr Young answered questions relating to Labour election material from 2017. 

  • Mr Young and Mr Lee will contest the Greenstead ward at Colchester Council elections on May 2.
  • The other candidates are John Clifton (Green), Christopher Piggott (Cons) and Chantelle-Louise Whyborn (Lib Dem).