AS the election campaign kicks off, Colchester MP Bob Russell has been targeted in an online spoof.

The Lib Dem MP posted an interview of himself being interviewed outside the House of Commons on YouTube last month.

But in the spoof, which has been viewed nearly 1,000 times, footage of him playing conkers runs alongside his interview when he talks about his business in Parliament.

Mr Russell’s official Youtube video has had fewer than 200 views.

Many of the people who have watched the spoof have reached it by clicking on links posted on the blog of Conservative activist Iain Dale and the Facebook page of the English Democrats political party.

When Mr Russell talks about returning to Colchester, “usually by train”, a picture of him in first class rail accommodation is displayed.

Mr Russell described the video as “juvenile delinquency”.

He said: “The country is about to face the most important general election in years, and yet some coward, not prepared to give their name, does this.

“Fortunately, I am sure all fair-minded people will take a very dim view of such behaviour. This is, of course, not the first time I have been the victim of anonymous attacks.

“I am getting on with my job of representing the people of Colchester, and will not be put off by someone who is clearly a very sad individual. I invite people to watch the proper version of me on YouTube, not the pirate version which is in clear breach of copyright.”

The Gazette e-mailed colchestersboudicca, the author, but did not receive a response.

See the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AVlWV mUBx4

Mr Russell’s official video, which is three minutes, six seconds, can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yisLtDtkBA