TORIES have been accused of “sixth form politics” after fielding a candidate with the same surname as his opponent.

Robert Barraclough of the Greens is standing for re-election as one of two representatives of Farnley Tyas on Kirkburton Parish Council.

The Conservatives have named Shelley man Ian Barraclough to run against him.

Clr Andrew Cooper, the other Green candidate for the two-seat ward, has accused the Tories of “mischief”.

He said: “Robert Barraclough is a well-known parish councillor who has lived in Farnley Tyas and Thurstonland all his life.

“It seems very strange that the Tories have found a chap from Shelley called Barraclough to run against him.

“They may be seeing if they can get a few votes by confusion.

“It’s sixth form politics.”

Clr Cooper added: “There’s nothing legally wrong with this – the guy has a perfect right to stand.

“But it appears that the Tories are up to a bit of mischief.”

Clr Cooper added that the Greens hoped to hold the two seats for Farnley Tyas.

He said: “We are trying to make sure people make an informed choice and we’re urging them to vote for the second Barraclough on the ballot paper, not the first.”

Ian Barraclough could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Twenty-five seats are up for grabs in the eight wards of Kirkburton Parish Council in the election on May 5.