Ed Murphy, the Green Party candidate for the Fletton & Woodston by-election, has responded to Labour’s call for an apology over an AI-generated image depicting a rubbish-strewn street.
Labour accused Murphy of misrepresenting the area and insulting residents in a press release issued earlier today.
Labour’s press release, authored by candidate Harvey Woodhouse, said: “AI is an incredible tool which has the potential to transform and save lives through early cancer detection and other services.
“However, as political candidates, it’s vital that we are honest with our voters and do not seek to mislead or confuse them. That’s why I’m asking Ed to apologise for using AI to create a frankly insulting image of Fletton and Woodston.”
The image shows Murphy standing in front of a street littered with overflowing bins and graffiti. Labour’s statement claimed the street perspective and details were clearly manipulated, and the image had been widely shared on Murphy’s Facebook page.
Woodhouse added: “By creating and sharing this image, Ed is showing exactly what he thinks of Fletton and Woodston. He clearly thinks that it’s no better than a rubbish dump and that our residents don’t deserve a councillor who will tell them the truth.
“Voters need to ask themselves if that is who they want to represent them at Peterborough City Council.”
Murphy, however, denied any involvement with the AI post.
“The post appears to have been generated by an observer of this election who disagrees with Labour,” he said. “It was not part of our campaign materials, and it was not produced by me or the Green Party.”
He stressed the positive work of his campaign, highlighting direct engagement with local residents.
“I know many people in Fletton & Woodston and have spoken to hundreds of residents.
“We have been delivering newsletters since last year featuring real stories, photographs, and issues that matter to the community,” Murphy said.
Turning the focus to Labour, Murphy suggested the party reflect on why voters are shifting away.
“Our data shows that many former Labour supporters and members have switched to support me in this election,” he said.
“Labour would be better served addressing why people feel let down rather than targeting a candidate for an AI post they didn’t even produce.”
Woodhouse reiterated Labour’s concerns about transparency in political campaigns.
“We are calling on all candidates to openly acknowledge when they have used AI in their campaign materials,” he said. “Voters deserve honesty, and we need to build trust rather than risk misleading them with manipulated imagery.”
Murphy appears to believe the Fletton & Woodston by-election is shaping up as a contest primarily between him and the Reform Party candidate, with Labour attempting to regain lost ground.
Murphy concluded: “This election should be about the real issues affecting residents, not about misleading imagery or accusations. Our campaign remains positive, and we will continue focusing on the real concerns of Fletton & Woodston residents.”
A Labour spokesperson added: “The image has been widely shared by Ed Murphy’s Facebook page”
