Shock Win For BNP in Sevenoaks (Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats)

Tunbridge Wells Liberal Democrats <info@twlibdems.org.uk>

Shock Win For BNP in Sevenoaks

February 23, 2009 8:59 PM

Julian Mittra at the Anti-BNP rally in Corsham

A Lib Dem campaigner at an anti-BNP rally

On Thursday, May 19, the British National Party made the breakthrough they had been looking for in South-East England. A by-election was held in Swanley, where a Labour councillor had resigned, and the BNP fought tooth and nail to win the seat. And they succeeded.

A highly unpopular Labour government, resentment towards Tory local government control from nearby Sevenoaks and housing allocation policies, and the loss of local jobs in the construction trade. These were main factors which contributed to this shock result.

Young men were turning up at the polling station in droves, many of whom had not voted before it was reported. Some of them were building workers. They were clearly angry at the worsening economic situation - and also at the lack of answers coming from the mainstream parties. The BNP was able to tap this deep well of discontent.

The Lib Dems are keenly aware that the Depression in the 1930's led to a rise in discrimination particularly in Germany. The current economic recession must not give rise to a similar resentment. It is a core value of the Liberal Democrats to 'champion the freedom, dignity and well-being of individuals'.

Local Lib Dems will continue to promote a cut in taxes, more social housing for the needy and more social housing construction providing valuable new jobs.