A regional daily editor has accused the Liberal Democrats of trying to “con” his readers by producing fake local newspapers.

James Mitchinson has warned Yorkshire Post readers not to “trust” political parties which undertake the practice after one of his reporters uncovered a fresh example of local press mimicry by the Lib Dems.

It comes after Post social affairs correspondent Victoria Finan received a copy of a title called the ‘York News’ through her letterbox.

Although it is described as being “delivered by local Lib Dem volunteers across York’s communities and cities”, Victoria said the paper “not clearly marked as party propaganda” in a Twitter post about the issue.

The latest controversy comes after HTFP shone a spotlight on the issue ahead of the 2019 General Election – with the Electoral Commission subsequently calling for “real change” on misleading party political leaflets.

We further highlighted numerous examples of the tactic being revived by the same party earlier this year, ahead of elections across the country.

Sharing Victoria’s tweet, James wrote: “Do not trust political parties that try to con you on your own doorstep.”

In her post, Victoria described the Lib Dems’ tactic as “so disappointing”.

She added: “For the avoidance of doubt: yes, for anyone reading with a news critical eye, it’s relatively easy to discern that the Lib Dems have created this as party propaganda.

“But calling it ‘York News’ is clearly a tactic to make people believe it’s a newspaper. Which it isn’t.”

Last November, Newsquest editorial director Toby Granville urged Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries to put an end to the practice.

At the time of the 2019 election, Toby warned the Lib Dems he would advise all Newsquest editors not to publish any campaign news unless the party ceased its tactic.

HTFP has approached the Liberal Democrats for a comment.