Burnley BNP councillor to resign
A BNP councillor in Burnley has resigned after a brawl broke out at a festival last weekend.
21-year old Luke Smith was suspended following his participation in a fracas at the British National Party’s Red White and Blue Event in Sawley, Lancashire.
BNP spokesman Dr Phill Edwards said Mr Smith had given the party “the wrong image.”
A by-election will now be called in the Lanehead ward.
The BNP said it may field another candidate.
Mr Smith said: “I am standing down as a councillor and have written a formal letter to the town hall confirming that. I have decided to resign because I am disgusted at the way I have been treated by the party, I have been made a scapegoat.
“I don’t feel I would have been given a fair trial at any disciplinary hearing and I wouldn’t have wanted to stay in the party after what has happened.
“I was never given a chance to put my side of the story and was blamed for everything.”
Brawler Mr Smith has also been banned from Turf Moor, Burnley Football Club’s ground because of public order offences.
The BNP previously won its 17th council seat.
