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06/25/2008: "British National Party benefits from disenchanted Labour Party supporters"

The New Labour project relied on the assumption that its traditional support had nowhere else to go. But this is now changing, and the BNP has emerged as one beneficiary

Media coverage of the London elections focused, inevitably, on the victory of Mayor Boris. But even with a close-fought race pushing up turnout to a new high, the slow rise of the BNP continued as they gained a foothold in the London Assembly. This should not merely be a cause for concern, but for us to reflect on how our own party can respond.

The BNP polled 5.3 per cent across London and averaged 13.9 per cent in the 642 council wards it contested around the country. It now has 55 councillors and poses a serious threat across several regions in next year's European elections, not to mention the mayoral election taking place in Stoke-on-Trent next year.

There are some who still think that the BNP is a flash in the pan that will disappear as quickly as it emerged. But we are facing a shift in British politics. Traditional voting patterns are fragmenting as voters shop around for a party that best articulates their concerns and even prejudices. The emergence of the BNP is just one consequence of this change.

[ The BNP has been cleverly molded by leader Nick Griffin to appeal to these voters - with a pragmatic stance on race, and a manifesto that avoids the pitfalls of appearing to be concerned with only one issue. ]

http://www.newstatesman.com/society/2008/06/bnp-labour-traditional-voters