Labour candidate arrested for drink-driving after crashing car into roundabout

Kathryn Smith, who is seeking election in Conservative-held Gravesham in Kent, was freed from the wreckage by firefighters.

Ms Smith was arrested following the crash in University Way, Dartford, at about 10pm on Monday and freed on bail until July, pending further inquiries.

Her car was the only vehicle involved in the collision and she was taken to hospital. Her agent, Ray Parker, told the BBC she discharged herself in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "A 49-year-old woman from Welling has been arrested on suspicion of drink-driving following a road traffic collision on April 26, 2010.

"Only one vehicle was involved in the collision at University Way, Dartford, at around 10pm. The car appears to have collided with a roundabout.

"The woman was taken to hospital with injuries which are not believed to be serious.

"The woman has been bailed until July 10 pending further inquiries."

Ms Smith was unavailable for comment and her agent refused to elaborate on the incident today.

A Labour South East spokesman said: "We are looking into this matter."

Ms Smith was until recently a company director for the Co-operative Bank, Co-operative Insurance and the Co-operative Group, but stood down.

She has served as a local councillor and is a former leader and deputy mayor of Bexley, according to her website.

She has also served on her local NHS Primary Care Trust with special responsibilities for maternity services and children's services.

Gravesham is a key marginal seat, which Tory MP Adam Holloway won from Labour at the last general election with a majority of just 654.