THE council leader has apologised for taking part in a video which might have broken election rules.

Cllr Linda Thomas appears in a video and photos, which were circulated on WhatsApp, next to her fellow ward councillors Cliff Morris and Akthar Zaman, and a mosque representative.

Election rules state that council resources cannot be used to promote a political agenda during the ‘purdah’ period.

Cllr Thomas said: “A video of me with a local faith leader in the town hall, who is an Imam in Halliwell, was circulated at the outset of purdah. I am sincerely sorry that this video was circulated at this time. When I was made aware the video was circulated, I immediately requested that it be taken down. I further sought reassurance that it was and I spoke with the borough solicitor.”

Tory leader David Greenhalgh said: “The issue here is not the endorsement. Anyone has the right to endorse a party or individual candidate. The issue here is the location of the town hall and the use of the mayor’s parlour and the council chamber to promote the message.”

Lib Dem leader Roger Hayes added: “I think it probably has broken election rules. I think it’s an abuse of their power.”

Former UKIP leader Nigel Farage was advised not to film a "publicity" video at the town hall when he visited Bolton during the EU referendum campaign three years ago because of purdah rules.