Liberal Democrat candidate Lisa Smart, running in the Hazel Grove constituency, faced backlash for joking with a woman with a Scouse accent about 'nicking stuff,' which was condemned as a slur by opponents. Smart defended her comment as a lighthearted way to engage non-residents while canvassing. The incident sparked criticism from Conservative candidate Paul Athans, who labeled it as reinforcing derogatory stereotypes and part of a negative campaign. The controversy highlights tensions in the Hazel Grove election race, with accusations of an anti-Liverpool tone in the Liberal Democrats' campaign and calls for Smart to reconsider her position amidst the fallout.