Brexiteers admit spin in fiery clash with MPs

A leading Brexiteer has admitted he “led people up the garden path” during the referendum campaign, during a fiery clash with MPs investigating so-called “fake news”.

Leave.EU founder Arron Banks said it had used “alternative methods” to influence the Brexit vote, as he and its communications chief Andy Wigmore were grilled by MPs over the conduct of their campaign in the 2016 EU referendum.

In a robust and occasionally confrontational display at the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee the pair admitted using spin and exaggeration.

But they criticised the evidence given by alleged whistleblowers including Brittany Kaiser and Chris Wylie, saying they were “not particularly credible witnesses”.

Mr Banks confirmed Leave.EU had lodged an appeal against an Electoral Commission finding the organisation breached spending rules during the referendum.

He also confirmed to the committee investigating “fake news” the Brexit-backing group held talks with controversial data firm Cambridge Analytica and intended to use its services if it had been selected as the official Leave campaign – which it was not.