The Conservative candidate hoping to replace John Gummer as MP has reacted angrily to suggestions that she has misled voters by saying she lives in the constituency.

SUFFOLK COASTAL: The Conservative candidate hoping to replace John Gummer as MP has reacted angrily to suggestions that she has misled voters by saying she lives in the constituency.

Therese Coffey has told various hustings, and included references in her election addresses, that she lives in Westleton and that “I live in Suffolk”.

She has been taken to task by the Rev David Miller, of High Road West, Felixstowe, who claims she lives in a holiday let and has no permanent home in the constituency.

“The address at which Ms Coffey currently resides is a holiday let and rented on a short-term lease,’’ said Mr Miller, a retired priest from the Metropolitan Community Church in Brighton.

He said in his view Ms Coffey was not a Suffolk resident.

Mr Miller later admitted to the Evening Star that he was vice-chairman of the local Liberal Democrats but said he had contacted the media as “a private individual.” He said Ms Coffey was “staying in Suffolk, not living in Suffolk.”

Ms Coffey said the cottage was no longer a holiday let.

“I was selected in January and it has not been possible to purchase a house during this campaign.

“I needed a base and have never said I come from Suffolk.

“I fully intend to have my main home in Suffolk after the election.

“I regard this as typical Liberal Democrat distortion and mud-slinging.”

Other candidates in Suffolk Coastal are representing the Labour, Green and UK Independence Parties.