Jon Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Cabinet Office Minister, responding to the Public Administration Committee’s findings on political campaigning by Special Advisors, said:

“This is the latest blow to the Tories’ chaotic campaign.

“The Parliamentary Authorities have delivered a damning assessment of the Number 10 operation, and we now need to know which Ministers were complicit in issuing this ‘misguided’ advice.

“Given the proximity of the election campaign, we need a formal government response today which outlines how Number 10 will ensure no rules will be broken over the role played by Special Advisers.

“The Tory campaign is now beset by problems of their own making. Number 10 has been scolded by Parliament, David Cameron won’t expel a candidate who wants to do deals with the EDL and the Tory Chairman is facing legal action for bullying a constituent. These out-of-touch Tories have a failing plan for the country and a faltering campaign.”