BNP forces unwanted by-election

The far-right British National Party (BNP) has forced Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council to hold an unwanted by-election in Welham Green.

The authority wanted to avoid a costly poll in the seat recently vacated by Peter O'Brien, who has resigned over child porn allegations, until the full council election in May. But Mark Fuller, a BNP activist living in Hatfield, encouraged residents to send letters calling for an election. Only five letters have been submitted, but a borough council spokesman confirmed that only two were required to force an election.

The council says it wanted to avoid a poll to save public money, but the letters accuse the ruling Conservative group of trying to escape a back-lash following Mr O'Brien's resignation.

Mr Fuller said: "We found that residents were angry not only at the actions of their former councillor but also at this attempt by the ruling Conservative group to subvert the democratic process to suit their own ends."

A council spokesman said the election would be arranged in January.

Croydon Guardian