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Downing Street has been accused of 'outing' a gay Brexit campaigner in a row over referendum tactics.

In an explosive statement last night, Shahmir Sanni said his family in Pakistan was unaware of his sexuality and instructed a law firm to take action.

He said a statement made by Theresa May's close aide Stephen Parkinson had put family members at risk.

Mr Sanni was set to blow the whistle over claims Brexit eers breached electoral rules during the Vote Leave campaign.

In response, Mr Parkinson, one of the Prime Minister's closest advisers, gave a comment in which he said he had been in an 18-month relationship with Mr Sanni before splitting "amicably" in September 2017.

He wrote: "That is the capacity in which I gave Shahmir advice and encouragement, and I can understand if the lines became blurred for him, but I am clear that I did not direct the activities of any separate campaign groups. "

(Image: Amazon)

"I had no responsibility for digital campaigning or donations during the referendum, and am confident that Vote Leave acted entirely within the law and strict spending rules at all times."

Responding to his 'outing', Mr Sanni released a furious statement through is solicitors Bindmans.

It read: "I represent Shahmir Sanni, who has provided information to the media as a whistleblower about matters relating to the conduct of the Vote Leave campaign during the EU Referendum . "

"10 Downing Street tonight confirmed an official statement to the media on behalf of Stephen Parkinson, Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, disclosing my client's sexuality publicly.

"We believe this is the first time a Downing Street official statement has been used to out someone.

"My client is now having to come out to his mother and family tonight, and members of his family in Pakistan are being forced to take urgent protective measures to ensure their safety.'"

Mr Sanni himself added: "It's sad that Stephen feels he can't tell the truth about cheating in the Referendum.

"I think he understands why I had to do the right thing and let people know what really happened.

"But I never imagined that he, with the help of Number 10, would choose to tell the world I am gay, in a last desperate attempt to scare me.

"This is something I've never told most of my friends or family, here or in Pakistan, some of whom are having to take measures to ensure their safety.

"He knew the danger it would cause, and that's why he did it.

"My coming out should have happened at a moment of my choosing - not his or the Government's.

"Some things are more important than politics and I hope that one day he agrees."

Downing Street has yet to comment.