Zac Goldsmith’s mayoral campaign have denied any links with tweets by Conservative party councillors questioning Labour rival Sadiq Khan’s decision to vote against military action in Syria.
Mr Khan was one of 153 Labour MPs not to back a Government call to expand the UK’s existing missions against Isis.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s vote, Khan said he’d found it “very difficult” to reach a decision on what he called “a finely balanced argument” and said his “top priority” was keeping Londoners safe.
Explaining his reasons for voting against military action, Mr Khan said: “Ultimately, the Prime Minister just doesn’t have a real plan for what happens during or after the bombing.
“Without that, Britain’s involvement in air strikes risks making the situation worse rather than better – in Syria, in the region, and in terms of London’s safety.”
Khan’s decision has been attacked by Conservative councillors in Wandsworth where his Tooting constituency is located.
Councillor Charles Lescott tweeted: “When Paris was bombed France asked for help against ISIL but @SadiqKhan chose not to support them. Who will help London if he becomes Mayor?”
Asked whether he was claiming other cities and nations wouldn’t stand by the capital if Khan took over at City Hall, Mr Lescott said: “I’m not claiming anything, just asking the question.”
His colleague Richard Field posted: “What about Human Rights of those who lost rights & lives at hands of Deash? @SadiqKhan voted against bombing Syria ! Protecting Londoners!?”
A spokesperson for Mr Goldsmith said the tweets were “definitely not” connected to his mayoral campaign.
Mr Khan’s campaign failed to respond to emails asking for a comment.
