Forty Conservative councillors, including 31 council leaders, have called for Britain to stay in the European Union.
In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, the group said remaining in the EU would help support the economic growth and prosperity of their local areas.
The letter states: ‘The EU is, of course, far from perfect. But that is why Britain needs to stay, influencing the single market and protecting our interests. Local communities are the lifeblood of our economy, and being part of a reformed EU will help them to prosper.’
Several councils have expressed a view on membership of the EU, including the Core Cities which will campaign to remain in (see here for full story).