The Northern Scot has reported the Liberal Democrats to the Electoral Commission over quotes used in campaign literature for a by-election.

The weekly paper is also considering legal action after quotes from Moray election candidate Linda Gorn, which originally appeared in the Scot, were reproduced in leaflets as if they were statements made by the paper.

The leaflet, published by election agent Alison Smith, includes quotes under the heading ‘What the papers say’, including one which reads: “The Liberal Democrats are on the way up in Moray and are fighting to win… The Northern Scot.”

But the paper says this was actually said by Linda, and originally read: “The Liberal Democrats are on the way up in Moray; now we are fighting Moray to win.”

The paper claims the move was an attempt to hoodwink voters into thinking the paper supports the Liberal Democrats.

It has voiced its concerns to the Commission, which independently monitors the integrity and effectiveness of the election process.

Editor Pauline Taylor told HoldtheFrontPage: “We are very angry. If we did this we would be sued.”