Political leaders have reacted with shock at the announcement the far right British National Party is to field an election candidate in Basildon.

Matthew Single, from South Woodham Ferrers, is to contest one of the two Vange seats in the May local elections.

It is believed to be the first time the party, which has controversial views on race and immigration, has stood in the town.

Malcolm Buckley, Conservative group leader, said it was worrying the BNP had decided to stand against Labour's Swatantra Dhanraj Nandanwar.

He said: "We hope the public's support for Mr Single will be minimal. We have pretty good relations with all members of our community and would want to keep it that way."

Phil Edwards, press officer for the BNP, said it was probably "a coincidence" Mr Single was standing against a candidate of ethnic background.

He added: "The reason we are standing is by popular request. We have had many people contact us from the area saying there are problems the other political parties are not tackling.

"These include political correctness in our schools and crime which is getting out of control."

Basildon Council's Labour leader, John Potter said: "I am surprised the BNP see fit to be active in this area. Their activities are evil and they have absolutely nothing to do with helping the community.

"I hope their vote is derisory and I expect that it will be."

Swatantra Dhanraj Nandanwar said: "It will be a chance for Basildon to declare that it doesn't support racism and will also be a reflection of the state of the town."

A full list of candidates is available in today's Evening Echo More information on Basildon Council - including a link to its website - in our Government section

Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002