Tories forced into embarrassing U-turn after top official says UK will take part in European elections
3 min read
The Conservatives have been forced into an embarrassing U-turn after a top party official said the UK will take part in next month's European Parliament elections.
Tory chairman Brandon Lewis was forced to act after Gareth Fox, the party's head of candidates, made the claim in an email to activists.
The blunder came as the Government officially triggered preparations for the election, which is due to take place on 23 May.
Theresea May wants the UK to have left the European Union by then, meaning the elections will not have to take place.
But in his email to prospective candidates, Mr Fox said: "Due to the current situation, we will be contesting the European elections on 23 May 2019 and the closing date for nominations is 24 April."
He added: "If you wish to be considered for the European elections please could I ask you to complete and return the attached Seat CV."
But in a subsequent email, Mr Lewis said: "The Government's clear policy is to leave the EU with a deal and for the necessary legislation to pass before 22 May so that the UK does not need to partcipate in the European Parliamentary elections.
"However, if the UK had not ratified the Withdrawal Agreement and were still a member state of the European Union on 23 May, we would be under a legal obligation to hold the elections. With the closing date for nominations on 24 April, it is clear that we need to make contingency plans as a party in the event of these elections going ahead.
"That is why Gareth Fox emailed your earlier today to outline how we will ensure we are prepared for any eventuality."
Mrs May will attend an emergency EU Council on Wednesday asking for a further extension to Article 50 until 30 June, with the option of leaving on 22 May if a Brexit deal is ratified by then.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Cabinet Office explained why the Government had tabled a "Day of Poll Order" setting out the measures which need to be taken in case the UK does take part in the elections.
"It remains the Government’s intention to leave the EU with a deal and pass the necessary legislation before 22 May, so that we do not need to participate in European Parliamentary elections," they said.
“As a responsible government, today we have taken the necessary steps required by law should we have to participate.
"The Day of Poll Order provides Returning Officers with a date to hold potential European Parliamentary elections, but it does not make these elections inevitable as leaving the EU before the date of election automatically removes our obligation to take part."
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