Expenses scam boosts BNP prospects in the North West

Reporter: Laura Wild
Date online: 02 June 2009

As disheartened Rochdale voters take to the polls this Thursday (4 June), the MP expenses scandal could give the smaller parties a big chance.

Things are looking up for smaller parties like the UK Independence Party, the British National Party and the Green Party in this week's European Elections.

41% of the electorate intend to vote on Thursday, the highest turn out in decades, and, a time of distrust in politicians, it is thought that the British National Party is likely to increase their share in the vote.

The BNP are aiming for six seats in the European elections, and they are likely to gain at least one, in the North West, where party leader Nick Griffin is standing.

The BNP are campaigning on a platform of attacks against the mainstream political parties and their use of the allowances system, with the slogan ‘Punish the Pigs!’

In 2004 the BNP had just 4.9% of the vote, but as voters turn their backs on the parties that don’t seem to be delivering their promises the votes could be higher and indicate change for the North West.

With the way the European voting system works the party could need as little as 8% to gain a seat.

The BNP is fielding candidates for all 75 seats being contested in Essex but it seems the North West region is giving the party their best chance of winning a seat.

North West Conservative MEP Sajjad Karim thinks that the Conservatives still have a chance, he said: “Trust in politicians is at an all time low and we are calling on Gordon Brown to help restore some of that trust by fulfilling his promise on a referendum.”

“While we are focused on convincing Gordon Brown to change his mind, we are also calling for an immediate General Election. If Gordon Brown will not give us a vote on the Constitution, he should call an election now and allow the people to elect a Conservative government that will.”

“Only the Conservatives can deliver a vote on the future of the EU.” He added: “Voting for fringe or minority parties will let Gordon Brown off the hook.”

Arlene McCarthy, North-West Labour MEP, believes that the future for the region is not one that will be ran by confrontation and a party like the BNP would not be good for the North West.

She believes that the more people that vote this Thursday the better. “People need to be encouraged to go and vote, otherwise smaller parties have a bigger chance of getting a seat,” she said.