Camden News - by TOM FOOT Published: 4 September 2008
Far-right candidate to stand in by-election
THE British National Party has announced it will field a candidate in a Hampstead by-election later this month. Stephen Dorman, who lives in Rowley Way, in Swiss Cottage, will stand for the Hampstead Town council by-election on September 25.
It is the first time the far right party has stood for election to the Camden Town Hall.
Jonathan Bergman, chairman of the South End Green traders Association, said: “Camden celebrates its diversity. Enough said.”
Hampstead Rabbi Larry Tabick said: “I don’t usually endorse any political party. But when the BNP are involved everyone should get out and oppose them. “The onus is on the
residents to vote – it doesn’t matter for which party.”
Tony Hillier, chairman of the Heath and Hampstead Society, said: “It doesn’t sound like this BNP chap has done anything at all for Hampstead.”
The far right party polled record votes in the London Mayoral elections in May and has an elected member on the Greater London Assembly.
Mr Dorman was unavailable for comment but a BNP spokesman said: “London is very relevant for us now and we will be contesting elections all over the capital.”
The by-election has been called after Conservative councillor Mike Greene stepped down last month.
Stephen Phillips, chairman of governors at Frank Barnes School for Deaf Children, is his replacement.
Linda Chung, who has lived in Hampstead for 30 years, is standing for the Liberal Democrats and Larraine Revah will stand for Labour.
The Green Party unveiled former Christ Church school pupil Anya Reeve as their candidate this week.