Complaints about the tactics of a Keighley Tory candidate in the local council elections who allegedly urged voters to back their "Muslim brother" are being referred to the Electoral Commission, the Government has said.

Commons leader Jack Straw said such exhortations were "totally unacceptable" and urged MPs on all sides to treat them as such.

Earlier this week, the Telegraph & Argus reported that Keighley MP Ann Cryer was demanding reassurance from Police and Bradford Council that electoral law was not broken in the local elections, amid claims voters were being intimidated.

She believes Keighley central ward councillor Zafar Ali who was elected with a 1,000 majority, urged people to support "their Muslim brother," treated voters to curries and intimidated voters - all claims he denies.

Mrs Cryer speaking in the Commons, called for a debate on the "non-implementation" of electoral law.

She said: "I refer specifically to Bradford metropolitan district council."

The Labour MP referred to her Commons motion which condemns the behaviour of "certain Keighley Conservatives who, under the direction of their candidate Zafar Ali, used the tactics of intimidation, treating and discriminatory propaganda to secure electoral victory in Keighley Central ward on May 3".

She said: "Would it be appropriate for my right hon. Friend and me to invite our electorates to vote for their "Christian sister or brother"? I believe it would be inappropriate."

Mr Straw replied: "I know the serious concern and I hope that all parties in the House treat such practices as unacceptable. We are making arrangements to draw to the Electoral Commission's attention the unacceptable practices that took place in her constituency and several others."

Speaking after the exchange Mrs Cryer welcomed the pledge by the Government to have the matter investigated.

She said: "I was told by Bradford council no rules had been broken. I am waiting a reply from West Yorkshire Police. If this is the case I will keep lobbying the Government to tighten it up."