Some nasty emails have surfaced, giving the public a look at some of the tension within the New Brunswick Liberal leadership race.

In them, leadership hopeful Michael Murphy and one of his supporters, MLA Chris Collins, make disparaging comments against rival candidate Brian Gallant.

The emails became public after Collins sent them by accident to the rest of the Liberal caucus.

Collins and Murphy appear concerned that Collins will have to give up his Moncton-East seat if Gallant wins the leadership.

Murphy says in the email, “They have designs on you and the riding. This is driven by Frenette, J.G. Richard — the elite. It’s their riding.”

Ray Frenette is a former premier of the province and Jean-Guy Richard is a major Liberal fundraiser.

Damaging to Murphy's reputation

Political scientist Roger Ouellette says these emails are damaging to Murphy's image and reputation.

“It's a leadership test right now. He has a crisis on his hands and we'll see how he will handle this crisis,” Ouellette said.

A spokesperson for Murphy says he has no comment, and Collins has not returned any calls from CBC News.

The subject of the emails, Gallant, says he hasn't heard from Murphy, but he expects the comments were made in the heat of the moment.

“I got into politics and I knew very well that at times there would be things that were said that are a bit heated, I’m an adult I’m grown up — I can take it,” Gallant said.

As for his designs on Collins' seat, Gallant says all MLAs will be affected by the upcoming cut in seats from 55 to 49.