Alderman Gibson received a letter in the mail on Monday – the day before local government election polling opened – containing ‘‘malicious’’ allegations against him, which he has chosen not to  disclose publicly.

Alderman Gibson is running for the position of deputy mayor.

He went to the Launceston police station with Mayor Albert van Zetten on Tuesday.

It is understood that the allegations are separate from, but part of, a wider campaign to bring into question the reputation of Alderman van Zetten and two other aldermen named in a leaked internal report.

On Monday, a copy of the leaked 31-page report produced by Andrew Cameron & Associates, which includes information surrounding allegations, those interviewed, the findings and recommendations for action, was widely posted to a number of local businesses, ratepayers and regional councils.

In a statement, Alderman Gibson said: ‘‘On Monday I received an anonymous, malicious and defamatory personal attack via a letter addressed to me at Town Hall  which has been handed to Tasmania Police.

‘‘Bullying and intimidation should not be tolerated, and that is the rationale for me coming forward.’’

Alderman van Zetten expressed his disappointment with the turn of events in the election.

‘‘It’s extremely disappointing  during an election campaign for a resident  to be anonymous and issue statements that are obviously defamatory and trying to damage character,’’ he said.