The Liberal Democrats have faced further criticism after fresh examples of “fake” local newspapers being produced by the party emerged.

HTFP has highlighted several recent examples of the party’s attempts to mimic local press titles in Edinburgh, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, and Yorkshire.

Now two further titles produced by the party – the Gloucestershire Local Gazette and New Forest Lib Dems Gazette – have been shared online.

While the latter pamphlet makes clear in the masthead that it is produced by the party, no such reference is made in the masthead of the Gloucestershire Local Gazette, whose name is almost identical to an established weekly title.

Regional publisher Newsquest, which previously threatened the party with an election news blackout over the practice in 2019, already runs the Gloucestershire Gazette series of weekly newspapers.

Julian Wellings, owner of marketing firm Expertise on Tap, posted images of the Lib Dem pamphlet on Twitter.

He wrote: “Not good. One of those LibDem campaign leaflets disguised as a local newspaper just landed. I can see through this instantly, but some won’t.

“Disappointing. I know a couple of the local councillors and have a lot of time for them. An LD central office initiative presumably.   And on looking for the ‘published and promoted by’ bit, it’s tucked away in tiny font, c. 25pc size of body content.”

The New Forest title was shared on Twitter with Newsquest editorial director Toby Granville.

In response, Hinckley-based student journalist Mason Moore posted on the site: “Please can the Lib Dems stop printing fake newspapers to try and spread their manifestos and political ideologies when real local papers themselves can sadly struggle to be trusted by the public at times? Stick to social media and newsletters.”

The party has repeatedly defended the practice, with MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton recently backing what he called his party’s “proud history” of using the tactic.

HTFP has approached the Lib Dems for further comment.