Merton's council leader has been forced to defend himself against complaints he falsely claimed to be the former head of the UK's Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

Councillor Stephen Alambritis, leader of Merton Labour, told the Wimbledon Guardian he was formerly head of the FSB in election coverage inviting leaders of every party to tell readers why they should vote for them.

Concerned opposition councillors have pointed out Mr Alambritis was head of public affairs. He was not head of the FSB.

Mr Alambritis said: "I suppose the word 'a' head could be put in there but if you ask anyone in terms of the reality of the situation I was the head spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses and dominated it for over twenty years."

He said all the senior members of staff were 'heads' of their departments, but admitted he was not in charge of the whole organisation.

The misleading information was published in the Wimbledon Guardian on Thursday, May 15.