Scout leader quits after troop delivers Conservative election leaflets in Lincolnshire
The Scouts were reportedly told they could rent an allotment space to grow vegetables in return for distributing the leaflets.
Wednesday 1 May 2019 09:52, UK
A Scout leader has quit after children in his troop handed out leaflets for two Conservative candidates in the local elections.
The Scout Association said a complaint had been made about youngsters from 1st Marshchapel group in Lincolnshire delivering the information and several volunteers had resigned.
The Scouts had been told they could rent an allotment space for a year to grow vegetables for a soup kitchen in return for distributing the leaflets, according to reports.
The leaflets were promoting Conservative candidates Paul Rickett and Daniel McNally, who are campaigning for the East Lindsey District Council elections this Thursday.
The Scout Association, which has rules stating it must be a non-political organisation, said it was "clear this was a genuine error on behalf of the group and one they have apologised for".
A spokesman told Sky News: "In accordance with scouting's rules, the matter was reported to the Charity Commission by the local volunteer manager.
"Subsequently the group Scout leader of the 1st Marshchapel Scout group submitted his resignation after taking full responsibility for the incident. Other volunteers have also since resigned.
"No volunteers have been asked to leave the Scout movement because of this incident."
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The Scout Association insisted the 1st Marshchapel group will "continue to operate as planned" and a support team was working to "minimise the impact to the young people".
According to the Grimsby Telegraph, Mr Whall posted a message on a village Facebook page apologising for the error.
He reportedly wrote: "I did not ask the Scouts to distribute leaflets for political gain or promotion but did something purely with the motive to provide an enriching opportunity for the young people in the group.
"It was an error on my part."
Labour party chairman Ian Lavery said: "If Tory councillors think it's appropriate to bribe children to do their campaigning how can we trust them with our local councils?"
The Conservative Party has been contacted for comment.
:: The other candidates contesting the Marshchapel and Somercotes ward are Independent candidate Sandra Dykes and Labour candidate Trisha Newman.