CIRENCESTER councillor Joe Harris has said that a letter published in the Standard was not his work and was a result of an "honest mistake".

The letter, published as 'Letter: Former Cirencester mayor Cllr Joe Harris on Brexit' appeared to be an opinion piece published in the Guardian 'How to stop Brexit: get your MP to vote it down'.

The letter was sent as text inserted into an email by Cllr Harris to the Standard. He wrote: "Please find below a letter about the recent EU referendum, it is longer than usual but I believe important. Regards, Joe."

Cllr Harris has since said: "I wanted to put something that reflected my position. I copied the article but forgot to mention, in my haste, that it was from the Guardian.

"I think we are making a mansion out of a mole hill. It was an honest oversight and honest mistake. I'm sorry if anybody feels offended or let down. I didn't realise it was going to be such a big issue. I sent it in a rush and I've made clear it was not my letter.

"We all make mistakes. I'll take responsibility for that."

Leader of Ukip Cotswolds Chris Harlow said that he realised the letter was not written by Joe and called for the resignation of the councillor.

He said: "I don’t think it’s the kind of mistake that one makes. He thought he would get away with it.

"A councillor, who should be a representative, has effectively stolen someone else’s work and passed it off as his own.

"I think he should resign. He signed himself as CDC and GCC councillor and therefore he sent it in his official capacity.

"I think it’s a serious enough matter that he should reconsider position."

In an email to Cllr Harris, Mr Harlow wrote: "I am sure you are aware that this plagiarism amounts to the theft of someone else’s work. 

"In fact, your action calls in to question your honesty and integrity.

"As you signed your letter as a County and District Councillor, I hereby call on you to resign your seats on both Gloucestershire County Council and Cotswold District Council.

"Councillors must be trusted by their electorates, and you have not only breached that trust, but also damaged the reputation of those of your council colleagues who act with integrity in the public interest."