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Tories admit sending out leaflet wrongly telling voters they don't need photo ID

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A Norwich Conservative campaign leaflet (Image: @TownCloseEmma/Twitter)
A Norwich Conservative campaign leaflet (Image: @TownCloseEmma/Twitter)

The Tories have admitted wrongly telling voters in Norwich they do not need to bring photo ID to the polling stations at next week's local elections.

The local Conservative Federation told The Mirror a "printing error" was to blame for the campaigning leaflet containing incorrect advice for voters.

They have estimated around 250 documents were sent to residents in Norwich using the "incorrect template" - before the issue was identified.

The Electoral Commission said the Tory instructions were "concerning", adding that the council has been in touch with the local party over the "error".

A copy of the leaflet sent to The Mirror reminded voters that polling stations across England are open between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, May 4.

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Analysts suggested earlier this year the Conservatives face losing more than 1,000 council seats as the party continues to trail Keir Starmer's Labour in the national polls.

But the campaign leaflet from Norwich Conservatives wrongly stated: "You don't need to take any ID in order to vote, so long as you are registered".

Tories admit sending out leaflet wrongly telling voters they don't need photo IDVoters in England must take photo ID with them next week (PA)

Under the Tory Government's controversial new rules voters in England must take a form of accepted photo ID, including a passport or driving licence, to cast a ballot.

A Norwich Conservative Federation spokesman said: "We would like to express our regret for any confusion resulting from the printing error caused by the unintended use of an incorrect template. Our assessment suggests that approximately 250 leaflets were disseminated in Norwich before the issue was identified.

"To rectify the situation, we will produce new copies of the leaflet with accurate information and guarantee that they are delivered to the households that received the incorrect version."

A spokesperson for the Electoral Commission added: "It's concerning that these instructions were included as it is not the correct advice.

"Under the new laws, voters will need to bring an accepted form of ID with them to vote next Thursday. We understand the local council is aware of this material and is in touch with the local party about the error.

"Voters deserve accurate information from parties about how to take part in elections".

A Norwich City Council spokesperson also reminded voters of the importance of the new rules.

"It's incredibly important that everyone who wants to have their say in the Norwich City Council local election on Thursday 4 May, can do so," they said.

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"If you choose to vote in-person at a polling station, you will need to show photo ID from the Government approved list.

"This new requirement, introduced by Government, is a significant change it's vital people are aware of".

Last night it emerged that just over 85,000 people applied for a free Voter Authority Certificate - despite an estimated 2.1 million being unlikely to have ID.

The deadline to apply for the free document closed at 5pm on Tuesday.

Labour's Deputy Leader Angela Rayner said: "Hundreds of thousands of people are being locked out of our democracy by the Tories. It's a scandal".

Ashley Cowburn

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