Jyrki Katainen, the European Commission Vice-President for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness, warned that the prospect of British candidates getting into the European Parliament and then leaving after Brexit could create a “messy” situation in the run-up to the selection of European Commission president.

Katainen made the comments in the Polish capital Warsaw where he is attending a summit of countries which have joined the EU in the last 15 years.

Katainen told journalists that the election of British MEPs in May and then their departure could create a temporary shift in the balance of power in the assembly.

He said it has to be assured that all MEPs have the same rights and responsibilities avoiding a situation where some MEPs have a partial mandate with a temporary majority most probably causing lots of questions and troubles.

The European Union’s leaders agreed in April to give Britain until the end of October to leave.

But nearly three years after Britons voted to leave the EU by 52 to 48 percent, the main parties, and the country, are deeply divided over Brexit, leaving it unclear when, and even if, Britain will leave the bloc.

Via Reuters