Rigby row sparks poll rule changes

Murdered soldier Lee Rigby

THE elections watchdog is to introduce new rules about party slogans after a review of its decision to allow an extremist group to adopt a slogan featuring murdered Middleton soldier Lee Rigby.


The Electoral Commission has apologised to the family of the murdered fusilier for allowing Britain First to put “Remember Lee Rigby” on voting slips in this month’s European elections.

Though the slogan can’t be used in future elections, it can still feature on ballot papers at the European elections on May 22, on the first anniversary of Fusilier Rigby’s death.

Electoral Commission chairwoman Jenny Watson apologised personally to members of Fusilier Rigby’s family in “difficult and emotional calls”.

The report of the independent review into the decision said: “It should be noted that each call confirmed that the use of Fusilier Rigby’s name in a party description had caused deep offence and distress.”