AN OTLEY resident has accused the Liberal Democrats of 'misleading' the public via a letter from an eminent doctor.

The national party recently sent a letter to homes around the country, signed by Dr Clare Gerada, outlining her concerns about the future of the NHS.

The letter has Dr Gerada, referring to her former role as Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners, stating that she "resigned from this position in 2015”.

It adds: "It was one of the toughest things I've ever had to do, but I couldn't stay quiet any longer."

Last Thursday however, Dr Gerada posted a message on Twitter to point out that both statements were incorrect.

She Tweeted: "Apologies to @rcgp for inaccurate content in @LibDems letter.

"I never resigned and I was never stopped from speaking out.

"This is an error."

One Otley householder who received the letter, and asked not to be named, said the revelation had shaken his trust.

He added: "I'm pretty sure this is a national leaflet which targeted many people in Otley.

"I would like the Lib Dems to write to everyone they sent this letter to, to explain that they have not been truthful and to apologise for using a respected doctor for party political gain.

"If the Lib Dems are happy to give misleading information, how can anyone trust them with their vote?

"I certainly won't be voting Lib Dem again."

A spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats said: "The Liberal Democrats recently distributed a letter signed by Dr Clare Gerada setting out her view on the challenges facing the NHS.

"Clare absolutely stands by those comments, however the letter did contain incorrect details regarding Clare’s time at the Royal College of General Practitioners.

"We thank Clare for publicising her concerns about our NHS and apologise for the drafting error."