Labour promote BNP in Sandwell by-election

As if the excitement of the Princes End by-election wasn’t enough, attention has now turned to Newton ward, a rare Lib Dem stronghold in Sandwell. This was of course the seat held by Martyn Smith for the best part of 30 years until his death a few months ago.

I have in my hand a Labour leaflet currently being delivered in the ward. On the reverse there is a feedback survey with a box for voting intentions. The parties are listed in the following order: Labour, BNP, Conservative, Lib Dem, Other.

For the last five years there has not been a BNP candidate in any Newton ward Council election. Now of course, I’d expect us to be listed last on a Labour leaflet. But to place the BNP second not only raises awareness of a candidate (on the assumption that there will be!), it also gives them credibility.

This is a real kick in the teeth for all Dave Hosell’s Labour colleagues from across Sandwell who worked so hard to defeat the BNP in Princes End earlier this month. Now, it’s widely known how desperate Mr Hosell is to win Newton, but for Labour to resort to short-term tactics like this (against the long-term anti-fascist fight) is totally out of order.

I should also point out this leaflet was seemingly authoured by the West Midlands Labour Party. So is this party campaigns policy? Try explaining that to Labour party members in the rest of Sandwell.

Idiots. 

UPDATE:

I’ve photographed and uploaded the leaflet, on request: