Taiwan's New Taipei mayoral campaign has turned personal, with a spat over body-shaming that is bad for both camps' tone but useful ammunition for the challenger.

• Lee Shih-chuan, the KMT candidate for New Taipei mayor, joked at the legislature that he had lost weight while Chen Yu-chen had not, then laughed as aides filmed it.
• Rival camp councillor Tai Wei-shan accused him of commenting on a woman's body, asking what a woman's weight has to do with running a city.
• Lee's campaign called the accusation false, saying it was friendly banter between old friends and that Chen took no offence.
• Chen backed Lee publicly, sharing campaign advice about buying and eating whatever locals offer while working the grassroots.
• Lee's team accused Su Chiao-hui's camp of smearing him and seeing everything through a twisted lens.

Outlook: Expect more clashes like this as the New Taipei race heats up, with each side hunting for gaffes rather than debating city policy.