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Police ban chip shop owner from giving away free meals to Brexit Party voters

The owner of Woody's Fish and Chips in Barnsley has come under fire. (Google)
The owner of Woody's Fish and Chips in Barnsley has come under fire. (Google)

Police in Yorkshire have banned a chip shop owner from giving out free meals to people who pledge their support to the Brexit Party.

David Wood, who owns Woody's Fish and Chips in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, posted on Facebook earlier this month telling followers they could get free “Cod Bits and Chips” if they helped unseat two local Labour MPs.

Mr Wood, who is also an independent councillor, loaned his support to two challengers from the Brexit Party.

"Election Promise! Help Woody's to remove our two current Labour MPs from their seats in Westminster in favour of Jim Ferguson for Barnsley East and Victoria Felton for Barnsley Central,” he wrote.

Mr Wood is hoping the Brexit Party candidates will unseat Labour's Dan Jarvis (pictured) and  Stephanie Peacock. (PA)
Dan Jarvis, one of the two Labour MPs David Wood is hoping will be unseated by the Brexit Party in Barnsley. (PA)

"Our promise to the electorate of Barnsley is to offer free Cod Bits & Chips to everyone that visits our shop on December the 13th in celebration of turfing Labour MPs out of Barnsley.

“You can count on us to deliver. Promise."

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According to The Mirror, however, Mr Wood has since removed the post after being spoken to by the police.

South Yorkshire Police reportedly confirmed it had received complaints over the Facebook appeal and said officers had "given some advice to the person involved".

It is believed police may have intervened over suspicions Mr Woods had violated so-called “treating” laws with the post.

The practice of treating is banned under the Representation of the People Act 1983 which makes offering good or services in exchange for votes illegal.

The Electoral Commission website says: "A person is guilty of treating if either before, during or after an election they directly or indirectly give or provide any food, drink, entertainment or provision to corruptly influence any voter to vote or refrain from voting.

"Treating requires a corrupt intent - it does not apply to ordinary hospitality."

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