PARTIES from across the political spectrum standing in the general election have said that their billboards have been vandalised or removed.
Overnight, members of the Brexit party woke up to discover that their boards had been removed and replaced with ‘anti-facist’ stickers.
Reading East parliamentary candidate Mitchell Feierstein said that it was a ‘planed, deliberate attack’.
“[The signs were[ at an iconic landmark house on a main arterial into town in Reading East,” he said.
“At least 25 large Brexit Party Billboard Signs, affixed with an industrial screw gun with four screws per billboard, were ripped down and stolen. The suspects left calling cards – an ‘Anti-Fascist Network AFN’ Sticker was placed on one board and a ‘No Borders No States’ Sticker on the other.
“The Brexit Party signs were only up for nine days before the most significant General Election of a lifetime.”
He added: “This was not an act of lawful, democratic campaigning–ironically, the suspects’ attempt to suppress freedom of expression is most characteristic of fascism. Our woke, virtue-signaling culture has created these intellectually arrogant and Bismarckian ‘activists.’
“These individuals follow ideals that are antithetical to civility and democracy, with a sincere yet nonsensical belief that their actions are justified simply because they know better. These criminals represent the worst intolerance and tribalism that this country has seen in hundreds of years.”
He also said that police were called and an investigation has been launched.
Mr Freierstein added: “Immediately following this general election, we must adopt a zero-tolerance policy on anti-social and hate crimes, and increase police resources. We should be able to feel safe in our community.
“How will we increase those resources? With money saved by implementing a clean break BREXIT.
“Let’s elect the only politicians we can trust to fix our country’s problems. Things must change, and quickly.”
He is not the only candidate facing issues with billboards being damaged.
Reading East Labour candidate Matt Rodda said: “It is disappointing that some election boards belonging to a range of parties have been vandalised or stolen.
“Luckily these incidents are relatively rare and I would hope that anyone involved will reconsider what they have been doing.”
The Liberal Democrats have also been affected in the Wokingham seat.
A post on social media from a party member said: “To the people who keep stealing our Lib Dem election signs. You really don’t need to. I understand how desirable they are, but you only have to ask and we will happily let you have one of your own – we will even put it up for you! What more could you ask? So please, no matter how much you want one, please no more stealing, just ask. Thank you.”
And Craig Morley, the Reading East Conservative candidate, said that their party’s signs had also been affected.
“Our signs have been vandalised in a massive way,” he told The Wokingham Paper.
