Banksy Pulls Anti Tory Election Print After Election Validation Threat

Banksy print pulled

Banksy has pulled his election print offer after Avon and Somerset Police forces investigating the free original election print threatened that it could invalidate the general election. The Street Artist had offered a free print to applicants who voted against the Conservatives in the General Election on Thursday. The above disclaimer appeared on the Banksy website this morning at seven am.

Police said anyone taking part in the offer could also be prosecuted

A number of complaints have been received by Avon and Somerset Police forces which have resulted in a case forming around the legality of the giveaway. Applicants from six Bristol constituencies have been given the chance to acquire the print by photographing their ballot paper showing a vote against the Tories.

Police said anyone taking part in the offer could also be prosecuted. A police spokesman said: “We’ve received a number of complaints about an offer of a free Banksy print to people living in six Bristol constituencies in exchange for them voting in a certain way in the forthcoming election and we can confirm we’re investigating the offer. “It is a criminal offense 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.” ‘Souvenir piece’

The artist wrote on his website: “Simply send in a photo of your ballot paper from polling day showing you voted against the Conservative candidate and this complimentary gift will be mailed to you.” The artwork, which he has also put on his Instagram page, reprises his well-known “girl with a balloon” motif, but with a Union Jack in the balloon. It will be released on 9 June, Banksy said on his website. A disclaimer states the print was “a souvenir piece” which was not in any way intended to influence voters but was for “amusement purposes only”.

Lawyer’s note: this print is a souvenir piece of campaign material, it is in no way meant to influence the choices of the electorate, has no monetary value, is for amusement purposes only and is strictly not for resale. Terms and conditions to follow, postage not included.

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