BNP reveals candidate to fight Lincoln seat
A BNP priest is set to challenge Gillian Merron in an effort to become Lincoln's next MP.
Reverend Robert West, a former district councillor, was named as the political party's prospective parliamentary candidate at a meeting of its North Kesteven branch.
The meeting also saw Scopwick and Kirkby Green parish councillor Mike Clayton put forward as a candidate for the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat set to be vacated by Douglas Hogg.
Rev West said he anticipated support from residents disillusioned by the current state of the country.
"There is so much wrong with Britain," he said, "and I think Lincoln is right in with the rest of the country in having concerns about family values, the lack of discipline in schools and the massive rise in crime – which is partly to do with immigration, but more a collapse in values in this country. I think the Bishop of Lincoln is a character who needs to be challenged to stand up for Christianity more because he's not doing enough."
Ordained into the small Pentacostal sect the Apostolic Church more than 30 years ago, Rev West says he now has little to do with the ministry, but still practises christenings and marriage blessings.
And Lincoln is not his first attempt at gaining a parliamentary seat – the Holbeach resident last year received 2.7 percent of the vote in the Norwich North by-election.
"I know I'm not walking distance from the Cathedral, but I've visited Lincoln quite frequently as it's only an hour away – I'm not a foreigner," he said.
Architect Mr Clayton said he was hopeful of garnering support from locals to go with, what he claimed was, a doubling of party membership in Lincolnshire in recent times.
"And I've seen a lot of support in Sleaford and North Hykeham. We are not just a protest vote," he said.
But the candidacies have been met with apprehension by some of the city's minority groups.
Una Thomas, of the Lincoln Afro Caribbean Society, said she couldn't understand why a political party like the BNP existed, let alone why they would want to stand in such a diverse county.
"Why do they think they can win?" she said. "With them here, it could bring turmoil. Why can't they leave us to live in peace?"
Current Lincoln MP Gillian Merron said: "In last year's local elections, people in Lincoln resoundingly rejected the BNPs policies of hatred and racism – with their candidates coming last in every ward that they stood."









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by Matthew Holden, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 17 2010, 4:31PM
“The BNP standing in Lincoln is a rather novel prospect, as a nation we fought against the Nazis and we beat them! I hope because the BNP are standing, the electorate are more motivate to vote, to ensure the far right does not have any chance of success in Lincoln or the UK.
The moral panic surrounding this party is very real, I too think this party is outrageous and I am generally surprised it has any support, but because the BNP exists I know I live in a completely free and democratic society one in which I am proud of.”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 6:21PM
“And the problem with people like Stan Butler is that they can't/won't read what people have actually written and as a result post a load of nonsensical and irrelevant drivel as a response.
I never said that UKIP were fascists; indeed my whole point (which must be 50-60ft above your head) is that they AREN'T fascists.
However, if you can't be bothered to read what I actually wrote, then I can't be bothered to explain it to you.”
by Stan Butler, On The Busses
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 5:33PM
“The trouble is with people like Emma Wasp is they cannot think more than one dimensionally. We are not talking about Hitler, the BUF or any other political party. We talking about a democratically elected party the BNP. These people make no reference to the fact that Japan commited attrocities, companies still manufacturing cars imported into the UK used British, US and Comonwealth soldies as slaves until they died. These people also ignore the dangers of extreme Left Wing parties. Surely then; if the BNP, UKIP and such parties are all Facists;by the same rule of thumb all socialists are Communists too. Over forty million people died in Soviet Russia after the Communists had murdered their royal family. They had Siberian goulags, the Stassi and the KGB. As they entered Berlin at the end of WW2 they raped women and young girls, they murdered and thay stole. They then turned on us their allies. Look at the human rights violations in China. Or isnt condemning Communisim trendy? The ill informed insult people who right or wrong have made a concious decision to vote BNP. Lastly; I dont feel any need to justify nor make excuses for the fact that I vote BNP. Go fly your red flag elsewhere!”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 2:32PM
“"If people are misled by the BNP, by its methods of propaganda, and portraying themselves the saviour of British politics, how foolish they will be when this party eventually turns against them for reasons of another."
I agree and I would add that this warning applies equally to religion as it does the BNP.
As an evolved being, I see very little that separates the two.
One will attack you because your skin is the wrong colour, the other will attack you because you've chosen the wrong invisible sky pixie to believe in.
I abominate them both.”
by Peter, Lincolnshire
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 2:06PM
“Religion and Fascism do not mix but if used is just a potion to poison the minds of people and effective when taken in large dosages. However, christianity cannot align itself with the far right of politics because fascism goes against the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This so called minister must be a false teacher of biblical scripture for him to be associated with the BNP for its predecessor called the British Union of Fascists supported Adolf Hilter, the leader of the Nazi Party, who wanted to exterminate the Jewish people, the chosen people of Almighty God.
So who does this minister serve - the Lord Jesus Christ or someone else dressed up to be the saviour of the United Kingdom? Fascism killed many christians throughout WW2. It also murdered in cold blood those who opposed its extreme policies of having an exclusive race. The Jews were the main target followed by others considered to be inferior. If people are misled by the BNP, by its methods of propaganda, and portraying themselves the saviour of British politics, how foolish they will be when this party eventually turns against them for reasons of another.”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 11:07AM
“I love all these justifications people dream up for voting BNP.
If EU membership, immigration, an English parliament and such like really are concerns of yours then you can vote UKIP (who are WAY larger than the BNP to start with and would make more sense on the "tactical" level), the Libertarian Party or the English Democrats to name but three.
All of these parties have similar policies regarding the populist issues that are trotted out whenever someone says "I'm not racist, but I vote BNP because..."
The difference is that whereas other parties don't discriminate on ethnic origin, the BNP does. So IF you really are bothered about these issues and aren't a racist, prove it by voting for a party that shares your views but isn't racist. There are plenty of them about, after all.
Or just admit to yourself you're a racist, because you sure as hell aren't fooling the rest of us.”
by Stan Butler, On The Buses
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 10:29AM
“I am not a member of the BNP however, due to the imputent nature of the mainstream three parties I freely admit that in the past I have tactically voted for the BNP. The reason being that consecutive government administrations in Great Britain have constantly wrecked our manufacturing industry, have opened the imigration floodgates. have become PC mad and have allowed the country to become a second rate minor state of the EU, with no standing, no self respect or morals. Our Prince Of Wales has comitted adultery when he was married to Dianna Princess of Wales with his now present wife and our MP's have 'shafted' the tax payer left, right and centre over expenses. We arent governed by Westminster, we are governed by Brussels. Nobody kicks such a big fuss up when the extreme left stand in elections and this is no longer a democracy, As a hetrosexual white able bodies christian man I consider myself a victim of discrimination by government after government and by all thee political parties. We have been led into two wars we should not be in, both which are unethical and unlawfaul. And that is why I will continue to vote BNP.”
by Emma Wasp, Lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 10:02AM
“If these comments are anything to go by, the most convincing argument against the BNP is its supporters.
What a bunch of illiterate knuckle-draggers they are. Imagine living next door to one... eww!”
by Cameon, lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 9:04AM
“it sounds as if some of the people contributing to this discussion have as many brain cells as a certain Councillor who referred to "cripples" at a public meting.
Wonder how he's any differenrt from the animals of the BNP?”
by Jez Turner, Central Lincoln
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 6:42PM
“I am SO GLAD that the British National Party is standing! Democracy is about CHOICE, and I am tired of the same old parties - which are a Lib Lab Con job - whose policies are all the same anyway. I want Britain OUT of the EU, I want criminals to be PUNISHED and I want an END to immigration! I want our streets to be safe at night, I want our elderly people respected, I want the family protected and encouraged and I want our brave boys brought home from Afghanistan. I am a patriot and am proud to say that I will be voting for the British National Party. Look at the mess the other parties have got this country into! It is time for a change.”