The Conservatives have been accused of showing contempt for those receiving in-work tax credits with an advertising campaign launched in 60 marginal constituencies.
In targeted online media, banner ads contrast "hardworking families" and "people who don't work", illustrated by a man sitting at home on his sofa. The ads link to a survey on the Conservative website which asks: "Who do you think the government should be giving help to?"
Michael Dugher, the MP for Barnsley East and vice chair of the Labour party, said the campaign was a new low for the Tories. "To deliberately mislead people in this way is not only dishonest; it is also offensive to all those hard-working families who make up the majority of the people the government is choosing to hit," he said.
The Tories said the adverts were in response to a Labour advert in marginal Tory seats where the number of families receiving in-work tax credits was greater than the MP's majority.
