Banksy withdraws free election print-for-vote offer

An offer of a free Banksy art print for people who vote against the Conservatives in the general election has been recalled.

The artist's website said the Electoral Commission warned the offer "would invalidate the election result".

Avon and Somerset Police said earlier they were investigating after receiving complaints about the scheme.

Banksy said he "regretted" the cancellation of his "ill-conceived and legally dubious promotion".

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Applicants from six Bristol constituencies would have had to send him a photo of their ballot paper as proof of their vote against the Tories to get what was termed "a souvenir piece".

Police said on Monday: "It is a criminal offence under the Representation of the People Act 1983 for any voter to accept or agree to accept a gift or similar in return for voting or refraining from voting.

"Any person participating in an offer to receive a gift is at risk of being prosecuted."

The offer was made to voters in the Bristol North West, Bristol West, North Somerset, Thornbury, Kingswood and Filton constituencies in and around Banksy's home city.