The British National Party has announced this week that it will be contending one of West Lancashire's parliamentary seats at this year's General Election.

The far-right party said in a statement on Monday (March 22, 2010) that BNP activisit Rosalind Gauci will be fighting for the South Ribble seat, which covers the Banks, Hesketh Bank and Tarleton areas, at this year's election, expected to take place in May.

It is one of two new campaigns the party has announced, with Debra Kent also planning to contest the newly-formed Lancaster and Fleetwood seat.

“Both Ms Kent and Ms Gauci are dedicated BNP activists who are very pleased to be able to give the electorate in these seats an alternative to the out of touch old-gang parties,” a BNP spokesperson said.

But the announcement received a cool response from David Borrow, the constituency's current MP, who said there was “nothing here for them” in South Ribble.

“It seems an unusual move for the BNP to stand a candidate in South Ribble. They have no record of standing a Parliamentary candidate or for a council seat in South Ribble,” he said.

“If the announcement is true Im sure they will not gain many votes as there is nothing round here for them.”

The party seeks to promote Britain for ethnically white citizens and until this year restricted its membership to British people of “Caucasian origin.”

It also provoked a hostile response from West Lancashire residents last September when it compared the plight of those living in Skelmersdale's new town as being similar to the forced resettlement of American Indians.

“I am delighted that we will be contesting these seats due to the generosity of our donors and the willingness to stand of these capable and exemplary candidates,” said James Clayton, the BNP's West Lancashire coordinator.

“This will be the first time we have contested an election in the South Ribble area. Times are indeed changing!”

The British National Party won its first representation in the North West last year, when party leader Nick Griffin won one of the party's two seats in the European Parliament.

By David Simister

What do you think of the BNP standing in South Ribble? Contact David Simister on 01704 392404 or email him at david.simister@champnews.com.