DUDLEY North Conservative Afzal Amin has come under fire from the borough’s leader over shocking newspaper allegations.

Mr Amin has been suspended as the Tories’ general election candidate for the constituency after the Mail on Sunday alleged he was involved in a plot with the English Defence League (EDL) to stage fake demonstrations in the town.

The newspaper claims Mr Amin planned to take the credit for getting a demonstration against a new mosque called off in a bid to boost his campaign.

Dudley Council leader, Cllr Pete Lowe, this morning told the News: “If this is proven it is appalling and a sad day for the Conservatives in Dudley.

“This would have cost the taxpayer in Dudley tens of thousands of pounds in police and council costs.

“If this is proven, here is an individual who has let his party down, his community as a Muslim down and let the people of Dudley down - it is below contempt.”

Dudley North is currently held by Labour’s Ian Austin with a majority of just 649 and is among UKIP’s most targeted seats.

The constituency is also among the top 40 seats on the Conservative’s must-win wish list.

Mr Amin, who is also accused of offering to pay EDL supporters to campaign for him, was not this morning available for comment but the Mail is reporting he denies the allegations.

The Conservative Party says it will hold a full hearing into the allegations on Tuesday when Mr Amin will be asked to explain his alleged links to the EDL.