The BNP appears only too aware that its 2011 local election campaign is in deep trouble. Many of its usual candidates have abstained from standing for the party in protest at Nick Griffin’s divisive leadership and others have defected to the English Democrats or National Front or simply thrown in the towel altogether. The BNP is clearly bracing itself for the worst.
Yesterday we had Clive Jefferson, the BNP national elections officer, regaling the membership with the momentous news that the BNP had gained two parish councillors and that therefore ultimate victory was at hand. Today, London BNP has announced that its 2012 London Assembly campaign is “already well underway”. You certainly gain the distinct impression that the BNP, which appears to be wallowing in fantasyland, is simply wishing the 2011 election campaign wasn’t happening at all.
Only 14 BNP candidates have nominated for West Yorkshire, one of whom is Linda Cromie, a sitting councillor for Queensbury ward in Bradford. Gone are the days when the BNP was a real danger in the city. Three former BNPers are standing in Bradford as “Democratic Nationalists”, which surely must be a pointer to the issues concerning Griffin’s dictatorial style over the party in the region, expulsions and purges and, of course, a certain married couple. Former BNP member Andrew Clarke will be standing for the BNP in Bradford, in Wisbey ward, where he polled 27.8% there in 2007.
Former Yorkshire regional organiser Ian Kitchen is also standing for the BNP, in Wakefield. Kitchen is the husband of ‘Granny porn star’ Linda, whose exploits have caused so much embarrassment and internal strife. I guess the barrel has been well and truly scraped.
There are also seven BNP candidates for Thurrock, but Emma Colgate, the former party manager, will not be defending her seat. The party had 16 candidates in 2007 and 16 more in 2010 there.
Our list is being constantly updated and you can follow it here: https://www.hopenothate.org.uk/2011/elections/
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