A LIBERAL Democrat campaigner from Newport has resigned from the Party, claiming he has been the victim of fraud and identity theft.

Earlier this month Paul Halliday was suspended from the Welsh Liberal Democrats after unspecified allegations were made against him.

And now he has resigned from the Party, saying he believes he has been the victim of a campaign to damage his reputation.

“I’ve got hard evidence that proves someone has been impersonating me and sending messages,” he said.

“That information has been handed to the police.”

Former Assembly and Parliamentary candidate Mr Halliday said he had not been made aware of the allegations against him and did not know who was behind the alleged fraud.

“What little information I’ve received on the allegations has come from the media,” he said.

“I am seriously disappointed by the national party. I have been treated as guilty before innocent.”

He added: “All I can think is someone is deliberately trying to damage my name and my reputation.”

Although he had planned on running for Newport City Council in May’s local authority elections on a Lib Dem ticket, Mr Halliday said he will now not be standing.

But he added he remained committed to the ideals of the Party.

“I believe the Party is best placed to help improve people’s lives,” he said.

A spokesman from UK-wide fraud and cyber crime hub Action Fraud said: “The report was received on January 12 this year and is currently still in the process of being assessed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.”

The Liberal Democrats declined to comment.