THE TORIES have blasted “left” campaigners for canvassing and handing out material over the weekend – despite the main parties agreeing to stop as a mark of respect following the deaht of Prince Philip.

Party leaders Boris Johnson and Sir Keir Starmer agreed to halt campaigning for upcoming elections following the Duke of Edinburgh's death on Friday.

The Green Party also announced on Friday that it had “suspended national campaigning” as a “mark of respect”.

But Conservatives in Brighton and Hove have reacted with anger after it emerged the Green Party had canvassed for the local elections over the weekend.

The Argus: Prince Philip at the opening of the i360 in 2016Prince Philip at the opening of the i360 in 2016

Steve Bell, leader of the Brighton and Hove Conservative Group, said: “The majority of the left always demand to be heard and to be shown respect on issues that are important to them, but show little or no respect to people who have different opinions or hold opposing views.

“The actions by some political parties who have continued to campaign over the weekend have not gone unnoticed by the electorate who have expressed their lack of respect by not suspending campaigning over the weekend due to the death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as shameful.”

Withdean Greens announced they were helping to canvass in Patcham at 4pm of the day of Prince Philip’s death.

While a resident in Roundway told The Argus he had been visited by campaigners on Sunday.

The party confirmed they had been canvassing on Sunday after observing a day of mourning the day before.

A Brighton and Hove Green Party spokeswoman said: "Out of an abundance of respect, we suspended all campaigning activities on Saturday, and we will do so again next Saturday in respect of the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

“Green Party co-leaders have expressed condolences to the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.

“A small number of volunteers spoke to residents on Sunday, and we'll be back to full campaigning later this week.

“Our message of how we are delivering a green recovery from the pandemic for Brighton and Hove has been well-received and welcomed by many we have spoken to across the city.”

The Argus: Peter Kyle's team hit back at the Tory's claimsPeter Kyle's team hit back at the Tory's claims

The Tories also alleged that Peter Kyle’s team had been delivering a newsletter over the period.

However, his office said the leaflets in question, about a proposed bridge at Hove Station, were “weeks old”.

A spokesman for the Hove Labour MP said: “Our leaflets were distributed to volunteers weeks ago and totally unconnected to any elections.

“There are no elections in Hove and the 'community news' asking for opinions on a bridge won't have any impact on any elections. 

"It's very mischievous of the Conservatives to use this Hove community letter to publicise their election campaign in the Patcham Ward."