Police investigate sale of Scottish referendum votes on eBay

Listings have now been removed but not before at least one sale was completed

A screen shot of the eBay listing (STV )

Police are investigating after it appears a number of people have attempted to sell their votes for the Scottish independence referendum online.

The listings appeared on eBay offering buyers the chance to own a ‘unique piece of Scottish history’ because, in the words of one seller: ‘I for one, do not give a flying monkey about any of this.’

eBay has subsequently removed the listings from the site and the Electoral Commission confirmed it was aware of the incident, STV reported.

A Glaswegian individual, using the moniker ‘chrisoc1987’ claimed he had sold their vote for £1.04, writing: “This is my very own unique piece of British History! It is my personal YES or NO VOTE for the upcoming Scottish Referendum in September.”

He continued: “This could be the deciding vote. Who knows? I am a hard working Scottish citizen with a house, a gorgeous wife and two beautiful kids who are my world.

"This vote will not change anything in our lives so I have decided not to vote my opinion but instead..... ONE OF YOURS! Happy Bidding"

A listing, believed to be located in the Scottish borders, placed a £10 reserve on all bids for the vote - promising the money would go to charity.

Speaking to The Independent, a Police Soctland spokesperson said: "Our policing arrangements for the referendum are well in hand and will be appropriate and proportionate.

"Police Scotland’s priority is to ensure public safety and security. We will respond appropriately to any issues which arise.

"We are investigating these incidents and therefore cannot comment on the outcome of these incidents until all inquires are concluded. Where other incidents are reported they will be investigated and appropriate action taken. "

eBay, in a statement given to STV, said: “eBay does not permit the sale of certain items.”

Continuing: "The Electoral Commission has an agreement in place where we remove upon request any items posted on eBay that relate to an individual’s vote where the Commission has concerns that this could lead to the law being broken."