Ian Oakley is to answer police bail on Thursday following his arrest in connection with a three year hate campaign.

Mr Oakley was arrested on Friday and bailed for criminal damage and harassment of Lib Dems in Watford.

Speaking on behalf of Hertfordshire Constabulary, Ailsa Roe said Mr Oakley would answer charges on Thursday when he would be charged, released without charge or bailed.

Mr Oakley has already resigned as the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Watford.

And today it emerged Mr Oakley, who is also a Northwood councillor for the London Borough of Hillingdon, has now resigned from the Conservative Party.

Councillor Ray Puddifoot, the leader of Hillingdon Council, said: "I think this is the honourable thing.

“He doesn't want anything reflecting on the party so he's decided to resign as a member of the Conservative group.

"We'll just have to see how this unravels."

Opponents have already called for him to go one step further and resign from the council altogether.

Mr Oakley's arrest is part of a police investigation into a three year hate campaign, during which Lib Dem councillors have been targeted by poison pen letters, vandalism and prank calls.

The leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, was also quizzed about Mr Oakley's arrest yesterday (Sunday) morning on the BBC.

Speaking on The Andrew Marr Show, Mr Cameron said: “On the situation in Watford as I understand it the candidate has resigned.

“We are going through some legal proceedings so I don't think it would be right to comment any further, but basically he has resigned as the candidate.”