Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, pictured, has insisted he is backing Oxford’s Greens despite urging people to vote for a rival party.

Mr Tatchell, who was the Green Party parliamentary candidate for Oxford East, was reported telling a debate in London that even people who usually vote Green should support incumbent Lib Dem candidates or those likely to succeed. But he told the Oxford Mail he was backing Oxford’s Green Party candidates Sushila Dhall and Chris Goodall.

He said reports were not entirely wrong and added: “My suggestion to vote tactically for the Liberal Democrats was primarily aimed at seats where the Greens have no candidate – which is almost half the country.

“I specifically said I was urging people to vote Green in Oxford and other target seats like Brighton Pavilion.”

He added: “I have historical ties to Oxford and have campaigned to support the Green Party there.”

Mr Tatchell stepped down as the Green prospective parliamentary candidate for Oxford East in December for health reasons.