The official Leave and Remain camps for the EU referendum have been named as Vote Leave and Britain Stronger in Europe.
Vote Leave saw off challenges from Grassroots Out, backed by UKIP leader Nigel Farage. The decision will come as a kick in the teeth for the UK Independence Party, which was campaigned since its inception for an independent United Kingdom, only to be pipped at the post by Boris Johnson and Michael Gove who backed to Vote Leave campaign.
That said, Grassroots Out founder Tory MP Peter Bone, said: “We look forward to working closely and productively with all those who want to see the UK set free to determine its own destiny.
“We are determined to play our part in creating a united front to secure victory on June 23 for Leave – Independence Day.”
The elections watchdog said the decision was based on which campaign group appears to “represent those campaigning for that outcome to the greatest extent”.
Chief Executive Claire Bassett said: “We received two high quality applications on the ‘Leave’ side, from ‘Vote Leave Ltd’ and ‘The Go Movement Ltd’. After careful consideration, the Commission decided that ‘Vote Leave Ltd’ better demonstrated that it has the structures in place to ensure the views of other campaigners are represented in the delivery of its campaign.
“It therefore represents, to a greater extent than ‘Go Movement Ltd’, those campaigning for the ‘Leave’ outcome, which is the test we must apply.
“We encourage all campaigners to now focus on engaging voters on the historic decision they will have to take on 23 June.”
