CONSERVATIVE election officials were angry yesterday over reports that the British Advertising Standards Authority is considering banning the party's "demon eyes" poster of the Labour leader, Mr Tony Blair, because it is "offensive", writes Rachel Borrill from London.
Although a final decision is yet to be made, it is understood that the authority's 12 council members believe the poster may be on breach of the advertising code of practice, because the Conservative party did not ask Mr Blair's permission to use his photograph which portrays him in an "offensive or adverse way".
The authority agreed to act after receiving more than 100 complaints from the public over the poster. Senior clergymen have also condemned the advertisement, describing it as "puerile", "silly" and "potentially dangerous".
However, senior Tory officials denounced the decision and demanded an explanation as to why the authority has "suddenly" changed its policy on political advertising.
"Labour depicted Norman Lamont in an offensive way, describing him as Vatman. They used a photograph of him, without his permission, and dressed him as Batman. Why are they suddenly becoming involved and banning posters?" asked one Tory MP.
The poster is part of the Tory's "New Labour, New Danger" election campaign, and features a photograph of a smiling Mr Blair with red demonic eyes. It was prompted by the Labour MP, Ms Clare Short's suggestion that Mr Blair was being manipulated by "dark forces".
If the poster is banned it will be the first time in political advertising - and it will be particularly embarrassing for several Cabinet ministers who have repeatedly defended it and the newly ennobled Mr Maurice Saatchi, whose agency devised it.
Although Labour Party officials vigorously condemned the poster, claiming it was particularly insulting because Mr Blair is a practising Christian, a spokeswomen refused to comment further until the authority's decision is official.
"We await the decision. At this stage it is speculative, but obviously we would welcome such an outcome," she added.