Candidate's nude photo 'smear'

Keith Chegwin presented Naked Jungle

A local election candidate has made a complaint to police of harassment after voters were sent nude photographs of her.

Liberal Democrat Helen Swain, 37, is a naturist and bared all on the Channel 5 show The Naked Jungle two years ago.

Mrs Swain claims photographs from the programme were posted through doors in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, in an attempt to discredit her election campaign.

But Mrs Swain - who was running for a seat on Kirklees Council - told BBC Radio Leeds she had "no regrets" about appearing naked on television.

We believe it to be personal, to prevent me from furthering my career and having a chance on the council

Helen Swain

"Why should I? I'm a naturist and I enjoy the freedom of not having clothes," she said.

"I do it in the privacy of my own home or at a private club. I'm not hurting anybody, I'm not doing anything illegal.

"It's just a pastime, just like somebody might enjoy playing golf or trainspotting.

"It's their personal hobby and that should have no bearing on me as a candidate."

The photographs show Mrs Swain revealing all - bar strategically placed black stars - on Keith Chegwin's Channel 5 show which was shown on TV in June 2000.

The pictures were circulated to homes in Mirfield and also contained a series of allegations about Mrs Swain and her husband.

Rival party

An anonymous leaflet said her nude parade on the programme made her unfit to represent local people.

Mrs Swain said she did not believe the leaflet came from a rival political party.

"We believe it to be personal, to prevent me from furthering my career and having a chance on the council," she added.

After trailing in third behind Labour and the Conservatives, who held the seat on Kirklees Council, Mrs Swain reported the matter to police.

Police in West Yorkshire confirmed on Thursday an election candidate had made a complaint of harassment.

"We are looking into the matter further", the spokesman added.