Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Martin Lewis was 'sent death threats' after Remain campaign used his picture

Money Saving Expert advisor claims his image and quotes were used without his permission 

Heather Saul
Tuesday 15 November 2016 15:32 GMT
Comments
Martin Lewis, of the money saving website moneysavingexpert.com
Martin Lewis, of the money saving website moneysavingexpert.com

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Martin Lewis has claimed he received death threats after his picture and quotes were used in leaflets by the Remain campaign without his permission.

The financial journalist best known for giving consumer advice on Money Saving Expert told the Press Association his image was used by the pro-EU campaign in the run up to Brexit after saying he believed Britain would be better off economically by staying in the European Union.

“I am never afraid of standing up for what I believe in but I didn’t believe I wanted to tell people how to vote,” he said.

“First of all, I was one of six on every leaflet and when they did testing and realised I was the most trusted it was then on the front of every Remain leaflet with a picture of me. Without my permission, without my approval.

“I was not campaigning for Remain. I got death threats on the back of it.”

The quote used on the leaflets came from his appearance on ITV's The Agenda in April. When asked whether Britain would fare better or worse by leaving the EU, he replied: “On balance of probability, it is more likely we'll have less money in our pockets if we vote to leave.”

Lewis also urged Brits to accept the result and not “talk ourselves into recession”.

“We have had a democratic decision as a country we have decided to leave.

“What we must all do now is shake hands with people who voted the other way and work to make that decision the best possible decision in the best possible outcome that we can have for the country.

Open Britain, the pro-EU cross-party campaign which accepts the outcome of the referendum, declined to comment.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in