A scout leader has resigned after recruiting a troop of youngsters to hand out Tory election leaflets in exchange for an allotment space.
The Scout Association said a complaint had been made about the 1st Marshchapel group in Lincolnshire, after members of the troop aged between 10 and 14 were spotted distributing flyers for Paul Rickett, a Conservative candidate.
The organisation’s rules make clear that it is non-political.
The row erupted after Scout Leader Matt Whall posted a message on a village Facebook group saying he “did not ask the Scouts to distribute leaflets for political gain or promotion but did something purely with the motive to provide an enriching opportunity for the Young People in the Group”.
He added: “It was an error on my part.”
Whall stated his intention to step down, blaming the complaint and “a total lack of support for our Leaders from The Scout Association itself”.
He added: “Politics 1 People 0.”
A spokesman for the Scout Association confirmed the complaint, saying: “it was clear this was a genuine error on behalf of the group and one they have apologised for.
“In accordance with Scouting’s rules the matter was reported to the Charity Commission by the local volunteer manager. Subsequently the Group Scout Leader of the 1st Marshchapel Scout Group submitted his resignation after taking full responsibility for the incident.
“Other volunteers have also since resigned. No volunteers have been asked to leave the Scout Movement because of this incident.”
The leaflets promoted Conservative candidates Paul Rickett and Daniel McNally, who are both campaigning for the East Lindsey District Council elections this week.
Labour party chairman Ian Lavery told Sky News: “If Tory councillors think it’s appropriate to bribe children to do their campaigning how can we trust them with our local councils?”
The Scout Association said the group group in question will continue to operate despite the resignations.