Council EU vote leaflets withdrawn after claim they promote 'Remain' campaign

Councils have been warned by a watchdog to stop sending out referendum guidance leaflets over claims they appeared to promote the 'In' camp and could influence voters.

Anti-EU campaigners had expressed outrage over instructions sent to postal voters in Bristol which included a graphic showing a pencil hovering over the 'Remain' box. The city council has since withdrawn them after a storm of protest.

The Electoral Commission has contacted local vote officials throughout the UK to warn them not to use the leaflets after reports that they had also been sent to other parts of the country.

It said that the graphic appeared "unlikely" to sway voters, but it "clearly shouldn't have been used".

Vote Leave's national organiser Stephen Parkinson said they had contacted the election watchdog to request "urgent" action over the leaflets.

A spokeswoman for the Electoral Commission had acted to ensure the leaflet was replaced by Bristol City Council and it was investigating whether the issue was more widespread.

Bristol City Council said they did not believe anyone would be influenced by the graphic but in view of "current sensitivities" it would not be sent out in future.