A Conservative group has been criticised for "disrespectful" campaigning after a councillor’s death.

Gillian Ford, councillor for Havering Residents Association (HRA) in Cranham, accused Hornchurch and Upminster Conservatives of canvassing in Upminster too soon after the death of Linda Hawthorn.

Cllr Hawthorn represented the Upminster ward for the HRA for more than 30 years and died on May 19.

She was known for her charitable work and dedication to local causes.

Hornchurch and Upminster Conservative Association posted photos on Twitter of its team, including Keith Prince, the party's leader on Havering Council and London Assembly for Havering and Redbridge, in front of Upminster Bridge station on Sunday (June 4).

They were holding banners saying 'Vote Conservative'.

Romford Recorder: Linda Hawthorn died last monthLinda Hawthorn died last month (Image: Havering Council)

But Cllr Ford felt the appropriate time to campaign would come after the funeral.

“We deliver leaflets, but we don’t go out with banners lobbying for votes,” she said.

“In all honesty I find it very distasteful. She (Cllr Hawthorn) has not been laid to rest yet, so it comes across as disrespectful.

“When they do that it shows they think councillor Hawthorn's career doesn’t matter – you need the appropriate time to remember her for what she has done. It is just absurd."

One of those pictured was Ben Suter, deputy chairman for the Dagenham and Rainham Conservative Association.

He denied Cllr Ford's claim they were lobbying for votes, but were campaigning instead.

“I send my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late Cllr Linda Hawthorn but would like to make clear that as a group we were not out ‘lobbying for votes’,” he added.

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Mr Suter said his group were out to deliver a local newsletter, including updates from Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez and Mr Prince respectively. 

Mr Prince declined to comment.

Hornchurch and Upminster Conservative Association has been contacted for comment.