Children 'used' for party propaganda

A Labour MP came under fire today after it emerged her party propaganda had been placed in children's schoolbags.

Brentford and Isleworth MP Ann Keen used a primary school and nursery in Chiswick to distribute a letter hailing the recent Budget's new cash for education.

But parents at the Strand-onthe-Green school are furious that their children were effectively turned into mini-postmen for a party political message.

The row erupted after Ms Keen, who is an aide to Chancellor Gordon Brown, used the school to circulate a "dear parent" letter. Written on Commons-headed notepaper, the letter points out that the MP met the school's head teacher and governors to discuss its demands for refurbishment.

It also says Ms Keen raised the issue with Education Secretary Ruth Kelly and her officials, claiming they "all expressed support for the building programme".

The letter offers Ms Keen's Commons phone number to any parents who want more information on the Budget.

One parent said they couldn't believe pupils were sent home with such a blatant attempt at Labour propaganda. "It struck me as completely inappropriate."

Tory candidate for Brentford and Isleworth, Alexander Northcote, said he had received complaints from parents, and has formally asked the chief executive of Labour-run Hounslow council to investigate.

"Teachers have a duty to their parents and children to be politically impartial," he said.

A spokeswoman for Ms Keen said that the decision to give pupils the letter was made after consultation with head teacher Jeannette Davies and Hounslow's Director of Education.