More than 300 boards are now in place across towns and villages in the area, however, in the past week, she has received reports of boards going missing or being damaged, including at: Sidmouth, West Hill, Ottery St Mary, Budleigh Salterton and Woodbury Salterton.

She said: “We don’t know who is damaging the boards and it is really disappointing because it is a practice I would always condemn.

“With my 600 strong army of supporters I am fighting really hard to win this election. But I will always fight fairly and honestly.

“It is particularly disappointing because my campaign is funded exclusively by local residents who have been amazingly generous, donating an incredible £9000 over two weeks. Each board costs over £5, so it is local people’s money that is being needlessly wasted and that is deeply regrettable.”