HUNDREDS of election leaflets at the centre of a “Fat Tory” row have been destroyed – on the orders of a Birmingham Labour Party official.

Kingstanding ward Labour chairman, Hugh McCallion, took action after party members posted circulars through doors comparing Conservative candidate Gary Sambrook to a pig eating from a trough, with a headline asking: “Who ate all the pies?”.

Mr Sambrook, aged 21, was accused of “filling his face” at taxpayers’ expense by eating Council House meals meant for councillors only.

Mr McCallion, a former city councillor, admitted he hadn’t seen the leaflet before it was distributed.

He said he had been ill for some time and is taking a back seat in this year’s city elections.

Mr McCallion added: “When I did see the leaflet, I used whatever little bit of power I have left and ordered its withdrawal and destruction. Luckily not many had hit the streets by that time.”

Labour has been accused of adopting bullying tactics by Mr Sambrook, who admits to “being on the large side”.

He said: “I am not personally bothered by it as you need a thick skin in politics. But my family and friends are offended.”

But Labour is refusing to apologise for the pig jibe.

Birmingham party leader Sir Albert Bore said: “The voters of Kingstanding will decide whether or not they thought the leaflet appropriate.”

Earlier Mr Sambrook branded Labour ward councillor Peter Kane, who was quoted in the leaflet, a “playground bully”. Coun Kane said he regretted the personal nature of the campaign in Kingstanding but said he was making a legitimate point about Mr Sambrook eating Council House meals meant for councillors only. The row is the latest salvo in an increasingly bitter campaign in Kingstanding.

Mr Sambrook has previously angered his Labour rivals with what they said were unfounded claims – including allegations they wanted traveller camps in parks. Mr McCallion, in a letter to voters, described Mr Sambrook, as “a schoolboy and a whippersnapper”.