An election candidate has been criticised for posting a "completely inappropriate" abusive message on social media. 

It came after prime minister Rishi Sunak was mocked by a journalist for failing to "deal with a small boat" of Liberal Democrats while campaigning in Henley on Monday.

Whilst sat down with food and drinks by the waterside, a small boat sailed past Mr Sunak with Lib Dem supporters onboard.

The prime minister continued speaking to the crowd around him, oblivious to the boat behind him.

(Image: BBC) Later on Mr Sunak hit back, posting: "Classic Lib Dems, always selling voters down the river."

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Liberal Democrat Theo Jupp, who is standing in Oxford East, posted the tweet on his own X account with the comment: "Sh*t chat mate" and two crying laughing emojis.

Oxford East Conservative candidate Louise Brown said such comments create a toxic political atmosphere.

She said: "It is completely inappropriate if he wants to be taken seriously.

"This type of response only inflames toxicity and unfortunately from past experience campaigning against Lib Dem candidates I imagine it will not be the last time I see it."

Ms Brown said she was also subjected to "some overly aggressive comments" when standing against a former Lib Dem, now an independent, in the district and county elections.

Mr Jupp, who says on his public website that he is standing as "an authentic voice for the 30 per cent of Oxford residents aged 18 to 29" has been contacted for comment. 

Other candidates standing in Oxford East are: Labour, Anneliese Dodds; Green, Sushila Dhall; Reform UK, Lawrence Haar; SDP, Benjamin Adams; Independent, Amir Steve Ali; Independent, David Henwood.