BNP thrashed in Becontree

The nazi British National Party thought it could benefit from stirring up racism and Islamophobia after the London bombings with a disgusting official election leaflet showing a picture of the wrecked bus, and an illegal hate sticker that used the local council's logo. The voters of Becontree saw through them and voted overwhelmingly against the BNP.

From day one of the campaign the BNP struggled to get more than a handful of activists out canvassing. From the very first leaflet it was clear the fascists were looking for serious confrontation. Last Saturday a gang of BNP canvassers threatened councillor Jeff Porter and his wife with violence. This must have been the most stupid thing the BNP could have done. Jeff had appeared all over the national and international press as the heroic driver of one of the tube trains involved in the terror bombings in London. Despite his cab being damaged, he led all his passengers to safety.

On election day the BNP made up for its small numbers by its activists' aggressive behaviour and illegal distribution of leaflets within the precincts of polling stations.

Frustrated by yet another defeat in Barking and Dagenham, one female BNP member punched Councillor Val Rush, the Labour election agent and a grandmother, viciously in the breast. Fortunately the assault was witnessed by several people and captured on CCTV. Charges are expected to follow.

Searchlight and the London Together groups were pleased at the widespread support from the trade unions for a genuine community based campaign.

Barking and Dagenham council, Becontree ward by-election 14 July 2005

Results

Candidate
Party
Votes
%

Alok Agrawal
Labour
1,171
59.8

John Luisis
BNP
378
19.3

Anthony Chytry
Conservative
283
14.5

John Bolton
UKIP
125
6.4

Turnout 25.9%