POLICE have confirmed that they are investigating a ‘false’ claim made against Workington’s Conservative election candidate.

Al Mitchell, administrator of the former Allerdale Politics website, claimed that the code of conduct complaint he made against parliamentary hopeful Mark Jenkinson had been “upheld”.

However, an official decision notice published on November 7 ruled that “no action” will be taken and that “the complaint will not be referred for investigation”.

The council has also confirmed independently that there was “no finding of a breach of the code of conduct” by Mr Jenkinson.

The politician, deputy leader of Allerdale council, reported Mr Mitchell’s comments to the police on the grounds that it is a criminal act to make false claims about a parliamentary candidate.

A Cumbria police spokesman said: “Police were contacted on the November 10 to the report of an election-related matter.

“This is being reviewed and enquiries are ongoing to establish if this constitutes a breach of any legislation.”

The Allerdale Politics website was taken down on Tuesday.

Mr Mitchell had alleged that Mr Jenkinson had breached the code of conduct in a discussion of his role as councillor and his allowances on Facebook and that he used “inappropriate language”.

The decision notice reveals that the council’s monitoring officer highlighted to Mr Jenkinson “the importance of ensuring high standards of conduct when acting in his capacity as a councillor.”

“Coun Jenkinson recognises the importance of ensuring social media is in accordance with the Code of Conduct,” the ruling adds. “Under the Representation of the People Act, it is illegal to “make or publish any false statement of fact in relation to the candidate’s personal character or conduct.”

Mr Mitchell was unavailable for comment.