Copy of Article 50 bill 'signed by Theresa May to be sold in auction at Conservative dinner'

Copy of EU withdrawal bill described as a 'topical piece of unique political memorabilia to auction'

A copy of the EU withdrawal bill, reportedly signed by Theresa May, is to be auctioned at an inaugural Tory dinner, leaked emails suggest (Getty)

A copy of the Government’s Article 50 bill signed by Theresa May is to be auctioned off at a Conservative party fundraising event, according to reports.

Emails seen by The Guardian indicate that a signed copy of the EU withdrawal bill, obtained by a Westminster councillor, will be put up for auction at an inaugural Regent’s Dinner organised by the West End ward Conservatives, at which the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, will be speaking.

In one of the emails, West End chairman Michael Case describes the Article 50 bill, apparently acquired by Tory councillor Paul Church, as a “fantastic prize”.

The email reportedly read: “Paul has managed to secure us a copy of the European Union notification of withdrawal bill (aka the article 50 bill) signed by the Prime Minister, Theresa May, herself!

“A huge thanks to Cllr Church on behalf of the committee for getting such a topical piece of unique political memorabilia for us to auction.”

Mr Case, who is also deputy chair of the Cities of London and Westminster Conservative Association, reportedly refused to confirm or deny whether the emails were accurate, saying it was a “private event”, while a spokesperson for Ms May also refused to comment on the matter.

A previous email detailing other prizes on offer, including a magnum of Veuve Clicquot champagne and lobster and frites with prosecco at a top West End restaurant, reportedly stated: “Cllr Church is working on a rather special auction prize … watch this space!”

MPs from opposition parties have described the alleged auctioning of the signed bill as “shameless”. Liberal Democrat MP John Pugh told The Guardian: “Considering how hard the Tory former prime minister fought for the remain campaign, this, quite frankly, is a grubby little fundraising tool.

“Theresa May used to be believe that we are safer as part of the European Union and now she is autographing copies of the article 50 bill. It’s pretty shameless.”

Tickets for the dinner event, of which the location is yet to be announced but is described on the event page as a “prestigious West End venue”, reportedly sold at a cost of £85 per person, although a limited number of premium tickets are said to have been sold at £500 each.