Allegations of dirty politics during the Gore local elections have emerged, with rumours about new Mayor Ben Bell's sexuality being spread during the campaign.
At 23-years-old, Bell became the country's youngest-ever mayor after beating six-term incumbent Tracy Hicks by just eight votes.
The rumours have come to light in emails uncovered by the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act.
Otago-Southland reporter Timothy Brown, has more.
