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The extraordinary collection of individuals standing for the British National Party in the London Assembly elections can be revealed today.
One candidate, Nick Eriksen, was sacked this month after the Evening Standard reported that he had described rape as a "myth" and said that "some women are like gongs - they need to be struck regularly".
Now further investigations by the Standard show that the far-Right party's 10-strong list of candidates includes:
Chris Forster, a psychic who, according to his website, specialises in the "use of the crystal ball, clairvoyance and mediumship" to "develop opportunities" for businesses and individuals. He promotes himself as "the only qualified internal auditor and accountant working full-time as a psychic".
Roberta Woods, who was recently employed in an important branch of the legal system, despite a conviction for contempt of court. During her attachment to the Legal Services Commission, which distributes legal aid, she complained the legal aid budget was going to too many "aliens".
Lawrence Rustem, a man of mixed race allowed into the BNP because, in the words of one of his fellow candidates, he is "only half a wog".
John Clarke, who was reported to police by a London council after setting up a front address and falsifying his nomination papers to stand in the last borough elections.
Richard Barnbrook, also the BNP's mayoral candidate, who directed a gay porn film, HMS Discovery.
The party has high hopes of winning at least one - and possibly two - of the 11 Assembly seats elected under a London-wide system of proportional representation on 1 May.
The party scored 4.7 per cent in the last Assembly elections in 2004 and needs around five per cent for one seat this time or eight per cent for two.
However, revelations about its candidates' backgrounds will undoubtedly damage the BNP's cause. Gerry Gable, publisher of the anti-fascist magazine Searchlight, said: "If it wasn't so serious, it would be absolutely hilarious. The candidate list includes lawbreakers, cranks and failed business people and is thus wholly representative of the BNP nationally."
Ms Woods, from Eltham, was convicted of contempt of court in 2004 after walking off a jury in the middle of a trial, claiming she had "lost faith" in British justice. Despite this, she was employed this year by the Legal Services Commission.
In a letter published in last month's issue of the BNP magazine Identity, she said: "My previous assignment at UBS [the City bank] shocked me when I found myself surrounded by 'aliens'.
The same was true at my Legal Services Commission assignment [and] reflects the real level of 'immigrant saturation' in the capital."
Ms Woods wrote that while working at the commission she objected to legal aid payments to solicitors handling immigration and asylum cases. She added: "Why should 'aliens' who have contributed nothing to this country have recourse to this fund? I can hardly bear to go about my business in London these days, it feels like a living nightmare."
A spokesman for the commission said: "Roberta Woods worked here for a brief period in a junior role. She was employed through an agency and we do not require agency staff to undergo a criminal record check. This policy is under review." Ms Woods refused to comment except to say: "Contempt of court is not a criminal conviction."
The BNP's website describes Mr Forster, 51, from Richmond, as an "events organiser".
But the website for his company, Psychic Events, says he "unlocks the power of the mind" and helps people by the "use of cards, crystal ball, psychometry, clairvoyance and mediumship to identify with important events and stages in their past and present and to develop opportunities and clearer vision for the fulfilment of their future".
It continues: "Chris's speciality is remote viewing of people, property or businesses, i.e. to accurately analyse at a distance."
Mr Forster is also described as "the regular tarot and crystal ball reader on Sky TV's Mystic Challenge", a game show where three mystics try to divine a secret about a hidden mystery guest.
When contacted by the Standard, Mr Forster said: "Oh dear, oh dear. I wondered how long it would be before that came out." He added: "If I wanted to predict what would happen on 1 May it would be a gut feeling. I'm not going to use the tarot cards and crystal ball."
Mr Rustem, a BNP councillor in Barking, is half-Turkish and was born Timucin Rustem.
His membership has been a sore point for BNP hardliners such as Paul Golding, the then editor of Identity, who was expelled from the party after physically attacking Mr Rustem. Julian Leppert, another BNP Assembly candidate and the party's 2004 candidate for Mayor, said Mr Rustem was "okay" because he was only "half-wog".
Mr Rustem insisted to the Standard that Mr Leppert was "joking" and said: "I'm in the BNP because I'm standing up for what I believe in. My political history is something that serves the party."
Mr Clarke sought election as a BNP candidate in Merton in 2006 but used a false address on his nomination papers to get round the rule that council candidates must live or work in the borough. As his current biography on the BNP website confirms, he actually lives in Croydon.
After the Standard exposed the front address used by Mr Clarke, as well as another BNP candidate and the BNP supporter who actually lived there, Merton council called the police. Asked why the BNP was claiming three men and their families lived in the twobedroom maisonette, a party spokesman said: "People live in all sorts of ways these days."
Mr Barnbrook told the Standard: "HMS Discovery was a film dealing with sexuality; it was not porn. What you write about the BNP in the media makes no difference. We will get one, possibly two, seats on the Assembly."
Asked if Mr Forster had ever foreseen a time in his crystal ball when Britain had no ethnic minorities, he said: "No, I don't think so. He's married to a Chinese woman."
Reader views (31)
Do the BNP actually have any policies apart from trying to kick out any non white person (logistical nightmare) out of the country and hanging anyone caught stealing? Or is that their only two policies?
For Labour's and the other main parties faults, at least they have some serious policies (which you can agree or disagree with) and some credible plans to improve the economy and general life for the average citizen.
I can't actually beleive some people are stupid enough to want to see them run the whole country.
- Dexter Morgan, South Kensington
If the BNP did not make such a big thing out of colour then maybe they would get the liberal vote. The party claims it is silenced by the courts and that the BBC treat them unfairly but they have been filmed saying racist comments. I would honestly like to know how much Roberta contributes to this economy. I feel the BNP needs a new breed of politician that knows what to say in public and how to act rather than a lower working class who blame their inability to get a council house on those of other ethnic minorities. The question is why do they themselves need a council house.
- Lawrence, London
Andrew Hamilton is being disingenuous in the extreme, as he seems to suggest that I am claiming that UBS employees are 'benefit scroungers', of course they are not, they are the highly-paid immigrants that allow our government to claim that 'immigrants' are contributing so much to the British economy - thus diluting the 'negative' contribution by the vast majority of immigrants/asylum seekers who are low-skilled or unemployable and therefore contribute nothing to the economy. The 'aliens' I mentioned were mainly Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans who are here doing jobs that could be done by 'native' graduates like myself. It is is a government-perpetuated lie that the native population do not have the skills or the inclination to do the jobs that the 'supposed' immigrants are doing.
- Roberta Woods, Eltham, London
The smears continue. Any sensible thinking working Brit should vote BNP. We are sick of Westminster corruption, high tax, low cost imported labour, dangerous streets, poor education, dodgy health care. The Labour party not only inherited this abuse in 1997 has actively amplified it. Playing a full role in uncontrolled immigration driving down earnings for working people(regardless of colour) fully supporting the export of jobs overseas. Wake up Brits, show the people in Westminster your teeth.
- Robert, Fulham, London
The worrying thing is they might stand a good chance of getting a couple in, even more worrying I'm thinking of voting for them.
- Lloyd, London
Has anyone checked the background of Gerry Gable and his associates. He a convicted burgler. His late associates made him look honest. He is a good socialist, and without the BNP he and his wife would be out of work. Gerry really needs the BNP, without them he would have nothing to live for.
- Richard Partridge, Ruislip Middx UK
This article is a symptom of a serious problem in the media, which is undermining our country's tradition of democracy and free speech. The BNP is basically barred from access to any form of media. Its political broadcasts are banned and it is never invited to take part in any debates, despite, whether you like it or not, commanding significant and growing support. Any coverage the party does get is 100% negative and never discusses the party's actual policies. So no one actually knows what the BNP stands for. In a civilised society, it's crucial that we allow free speech within the boundaries of the law. media has a duty to give the public the facts and them people make up their own minds. This media blackout is wrong and undemocratic.
- Chris, London
Considering the people who have represented Labour, the Tories and the Liberals over the years I would have thought a candidate list including "lawbreakers, cranks and failed business people" was a prerequisite to stand in an election
- Liam Johnstone, Romford
Hey they sound just like the the ones that inhabit Westminster right now, so what's new. They are no worse than the bunch of liars and cheats that we have in power right now.
- Stephen D., London England.
I guess the points about Roberta Woods were designed to make us gasp in shock. Well actually I did, shock that someone has the guts to stand up for their views!
Surely being charged with contempt of court is better than sitting idly by and complaining about the state of British justice?
Good for her.
- Darren Staunton, Woolwich, London
Congrats on this little article, It is clearly balanced and takes both sides of the story from truely unimpeachable sources such as Gerry Gable...
{has to pause as gets up off the floor from laughing....}
Perhaps you could have mentioned that the single and apparently solitary source for these allegations is a convicted criminal?
Or that the same man was once a member of the communist party?
Or would that have been pushing journalistic integrity a touch too far....
- Jesse, London
How about some positive comments about the British National Party. It was one of their members,(Me), who was responsible for Derek Conway, MP, being investigated. I have also been involved in investigations into the activities of a number of other former or serving MP's including Michael Trend, Clive Betts, Sir Nicholas and Ann Winterton and Anthony Steen.
Surely , we are entitled to some brownie points for bringing to the public attention the amount of sleeze in parliament.
The British National Party, unlike the three main parties, wants to withdraw from the European Union.
It is also calling for the restoration of capital punishment for certain types of murder where conviction is based on DNA evidence or the offence was witnessed.
These are only two of many issues in our manifesto that the majority of the electorate support.
In most respects we are the voice of the people.
As a democratic society we should be ashamed of the fact that most of our members would be sacked from their jobs if they admitted to being members of the British National Party, a legitimate political party.
As a retired Metropolitan Police Inspector who is grandfather to two mixed race grandchildren, in addition to having been an athletics mentor to Stephen Lawrence and his younger brother Stuart when they were members of Cambridge Harriers I feel very comfortable about being a member of the party.
- Michael Barnbrook, Sidcup, Kent
I expect a little better from Gilligan than this ,the BNP people sound normal enough considering what we are like in these times of great change. Roll on May 1st, lets get some real change.
- Jj, London, UK
If you want "out" MPs and future politicians then you could do no better to look at the self serving fools in Lib/Lab/Con. Every week one is up to court for something more serious than you have so "skilfully" unearthed. Also why is the convicted burglar, failed communist candidate and MI5 informer, Gerry Gable, always quoted?
- James, Berwick Upon Tweed
Folks think about it. This 'journalist' was missioned to the task of destroying the BNP candidates reputations in a 'slur' feature. All he could come up with was a few minor issues like Ms Woods use of the Americanised term 'alien' instead of 'immigrants' or 'foreigners' and that the Mayoral candidate made a student arty farty film (It was not a gay porn film) as the paper well knows because they reported it as this when they fished it up in the last effort to stop the BNP but they went on to win 12 seats on Barking Council.
If this is the best Gilligan has found then it is about as clean cut as you can ask for from politicians, so they'll get loads of votes. Now I look forward to investigations into labour, lib dem and tory candidates....
- Babs, London
I m taken aback!
I was going to vote for red-Ken, but as a homosexual avid viewer of most haunted, the BNP have my vote,and here's me believing they were all Hitler clones like the press tell us, they're actually as diverse as normal people!
Thanks for 'exposing' the truth Mr Gilligan!
- Rick, London, UK
Sorry, but this article is not about BNP's party policies. It is about exposing what's behind the façade of people who are selling poisoned apples in an attractive giftbox.
These BNP-branded wannabe politicians are pure hypocrisy, of the same ilk Italy seem to adore. We have just elected one specimen of them.
Crooks, forgers, fraudsters, divorced holier-than-thou's, bigots of every sort, convicted criminals, homophobic womanisers, pathetic starlets given a lead on TV for some sex in return... All in, all happy, all singing.
Would you like to import some, to beef up BNP's ranks?
You can be lucky, though. You have still enough free media to expose the shameful underside of these creepers and destroy their carefully crafted fronts.
Over here, instead, all we can hear is Radio Ga-Ga...
- Gavin, Italy
I don't think the voter will care about these BNP representatives background. You only have to remember all the other scandals the main political parties representatives done in the past. The people have had enough of the political correctionist and being denied fair play and let down time and time again by the main parties. My gut instinct tells me that this will be the protest vote that the main political parties will have to take note of the real discontempt that these people only way to strike back and give a wake up call to the main parties of burying their heads in the sand.
- Joe Sardena, Swanley Kent
So, a vast improvement on the bunch of crooks and cretins that are currently destroying London then?
- Jimbob, Kensington
I'm not sure this sort of report achieves what it is meant to. It is much better sticking to the nazi, skinhead, thug line to denigrate the BNP. Andrew is trying to be too clever talking about psychics and gay porn directors, it just muddies the water and will confuse voters. Much more beneficial to adhere to the Searchlight script so all BNP critics sing from the same song sheet.
- Robert, Burnley
What a contrived non-story! Surely Andrew Gilligan's time would be better spent exposing the fraudulent allowances claiming activities of our light-fingered Westminster MPs!
- William Essex, Northants
"If it wasn't so serious, it would be absolutely hilarious. The candidate list includes lawbreakers, cranks and failed business people and is thus wholly representative of the BNP nationally."
I think that about sums it up...
- Gary, London
I see where you are coming from, but the danger here is context: if the only coverage given to smaller parties is full-on attack like this, or jokey pieces in the election diary, it may actually be counter-productive and help the BNP to win seats. Amid the acreage of fairly mild coverage of all the 'main' candidates and little dissection of their candidate lists, such coverage also strikes a bit of an awkward note. Had I also seen an article on the BNP policies - and indeed the appropriate comments! - I would probably feel differently. And a very important point is that if the only way any small party can get three quarters of a page of coverage is through an all out personalised attack, what does that say for commitment to diversity in politics or allowing for alternative voices to be heard? It begs the question as to where the full page coverage is of Lindsey German (Left List), Gerard Batten (UKIP)...and the uncomfortable answer appears to be "only if they are deemed worthy of an all-out personal attack". I have a feeling I could go through the lists of all the 'main' parties and come up with a rather jaundiced account if I was minded to. In any event, endless publicity for the BNP like this makes people more likely to vote for them not less. It is a form of branding...
- Damian Hockney A.M., London, UK
I have to disagree with Mr. Gable, publisher of Searchlight - even though it is serious, it remains absolutely hilarious. The BNP are not only the party of small minded bigots, they're also the main recipient of the crackpot vote; perhaps they'll end not with a bang, but a chuckle.
- Christian, West Sussex
Which one is Hugh, and which is Pugh, Barney Mcgrew, Cuthbert Dibble and Grubb...?
- Ed Miller, England
Absolutely hilarious, asking Gerry Gable to comment...a convicted criminal and communist party member? Lets ask the Dahla Lama to comment on China or a Liverpool fan to comment on Man Utd's title hopes?
The only damage to reputations here is to the rather desperate Andrew Gilligan!
Priceless.....
- Mr.Happy, Multicultural UK
Gosh, the lefty liberals are running scared. No doubt you would not have to scratch far below the surface to find unusual characters and crooks (morally - think expenses) in all the political parties. There is no denying that the BNP is saying what a lot of people are thinking.
If they are supposed to be homophobic, as they are made out to be, how does this sit with an (allegedly) gay porn film maker candidate? If they are supposed to be racist why have they a mixed race candidate? Liberal left parties would be delighted with these credentials, is the film maker in a civil gay partnership? - bring his partner up on stage. You cannot have it both ways.
Mr Gilligan's attempts to destroy these BNP candidates exposes a fear at the heart of the liberal establishment - their grasp on power is under real threat. This is good for democracy, nastily smearing your opponents exposes a newly recognised weakness. I would probably not vote BNP, but after Mr Gilligans article I will review the parties policies, if it is causing such a stir it must be worth a look.
- Mark, Bournemouth England
BNP Candidate Roberta Woods remarks: "My previous assignment at UBS [the City bank] shocked me when I found myself surrounded by 'aliens'."
While I agree that far too many 'aliens' are recipients of Legal Aid, I cannot accept the absurd charge against city financial institutions. This shows the utter stupidity of the BNP. Their simple minds just cannot differentiate between foreigners (and those of foreign origin) who contribute to Britain (such as the very same bankers who contribute £ Billions to London's economy, that she is - pathetically - attempting to denigrate) and those who scrounge off the system and commit crimes (the type that live in subsidised housing and commit crimes/anti social behaviour). It should also be noted that the BNP is fiscally Left-wing, their party manifestos openly calls for nationalisation and other Anti-Capitalist measures. This Leftism can be seen in the Marxist style politics of envy espoused above by the uppity Junior office clerk Roberta Woods.
I can confirm that on May 1st this Libertarian non-white Briton ('alien' by BNP definition) will be voting for a real alternative to Red Ken.
I urge all Londoners to Vote Conservative! Vote for Boris Johnson!
- Andrew Hamilton, Ealing, London
The fact that the BNP poses such a credible risk of getting elected is an indictment of the disaffection many Londoners, and people around the country feel about the way this country has been run over the last 25 years.
Mass, uncontrolled immigration, which has been of very little benefit. Political correctness in every walk of life. Pandering to special interest groups, particularly Muslims. Promotion of multiculturalism, homosexuality in preference to lifestyle enjoyed and followed by the majority has alienated so many.
The blame can be laid squarely at the hands of New Labour and the liberal left.
- Simon, Harrow, UK
Oh dear, something to counterbalance Mr Gilligan's excellent work exposing Ken Livingstone and Lee Jasper.
The Evening Standard has been very poor at giving any information about the minor parties and candidates such as UKIP,Christian Alliance,Respect, BNP etc. Now when they do something on the BNP, it isn't outlining their proposals but just smears about their candidates. Mr Gilligan is stooping very low in mocking one candidate for being half-Turkish. What is wrong with being half-Turkish? And isn't it racist to make such a fuss about the fact?
Interesting that one candidate had been "reported to the police" about a previous election. I assume that no charges were ever laid. So why make a fuss about a non-charge and a non-conviction?
Still I guess Mr Gilligan must feel comfortable that he has complied with the dictates of the National Union of Journalists that all coverage of the BNP must be negative. But it rather undermines his reputation as an independent-minded journalist.
- Mark, Brentford, Middx
You couldn't make it up - Boris should be part this circus he wouldn't look out place.
- Adam, London
