BNP popularity hit in byelections
The British National Party has lost two council seats after the Liberal Democrats emerged triumphant in byelections last night.
The BNP dropped to third place behind the Lib Dems and Labour in the ballot in Lanehead ward, Burnley, a seat it previously held.
Martin Smith (1,070 votes) won the seat for the Lib Dems. Julie Cooper (464 votes) came second for Labour.
John Cave (357 votes) failed to retain the seat for the BNP.
The election in Burnley was triggered following the resignation of Luke Smith after he was involved in a fight at the BNP’s Red White and Blue festival. He then resigned from the council, prompting the by-election.
The BNP also lost out in its attempt to win a second council seat in Mixenden, Calderdale, West Yorkshire; a ward it won in a byelection in January. The Liberal Democrats convincingly defeat the right wing party.
Jennifer Pearson won the seat for the Lib Dems. Her husband Stephen died of cancer in August, leading to the byelection.
Mrs Pearson took 1,210 votes against Mr Clegg’s 801.
Mrs Pearson said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled. This is confirmation of what happened in May and I’m absolutely delighted. I think the BNP has reached their limits we ran a very strong campaign and the Labour Party simply faded away. It shows we are the party to stop the BNP.’
The BNP now has seven seats in Burnley. The Lib Dems have nine but Labour remains in control with 23.
The BNP holds three council seats in West Yorkshire.
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy said: ‘I am delighted for our candidates and that the voters of both Burnley and Calderdale rejected the unpleasant and racist views of the BNP.
‘With our first ever gain from the BNP, it is a sign that support for them is waning while support for the Liberal Democrats continues to grow.
‘The Liberal Democrats will keep working to find ways to reconnect with voters who could be tempted by extremists like the BNP.’
