Politics
Reform Candidate Grant StClair-Armstrong Resigns Amid BNP Comment Controversy in Saffron Walden Race
Candidate Withdraws Amid Controversy Over Inappropriate BNP Online Remarks
Grant StClair-Armstrong has withdrawn his candidacy from the Saffron Walden district in Essex, previously held by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch.
Political journalist @Journoamrogers
Monday, June 17, 2024, 08:
A candidate from Reform UK has stepped down following the emergence of past social media remarks deemed inappropriate. The party noted that these comments were made during a "challenging and turbulent period" in his life.
Grant StClair-Armstrong, a candidate in the Essex constituency of Saffron Walden, where Kemi Badenoch formerly served as MP, stepped down on Sunday. His resignation followed a report by The Times revealing his past encouragement of support for the British National Party (BNP).
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According to the newspaper, Mr. StClair-Armstrong expressed his dismay in a 2010 blog post, stating, "I could weep now, every time I pick up a British newspaper and read the latest about the state of the UK. No doubt, Enoch Powell would be doing the same if he was alive. My solution… vote BNP!"
When reached by The Times for his response to the remarks, Mr. StClair-Armstrong stated that he had "no excuses."
He stated, "There's no justification on my part. I believe they are a reprehensible group. I have a strong dislike for the English Defence League."
The ex-contender additionally mentioned his intention to submit his resignation, stating, "I truly see no other option."
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He subsequently shared on X: "I have never endorsed the BNP, especially the disagreeable Nick Griffin. It was a momentary lapse due to frustration, something that only I have ever done."
A spokesperson for Reform UK stated: "He acknowledged that 15 years ago, during a challenging and turbulent period, he made some foolish and unsuitable remarks. He regrets those words and has stepped down from his position."
Earlier, Reform stated that the comments made on social media were "inappropriate."
He stepped down on Sunday, just before Nigel Farage is set to unveil the party's policies in South Wales on Monday afternoon.
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Last week, another candidate from the Reform party issued an apology for a previous online comment suggesting that Britain should have accepted Hitler's proposal for neutrality rather than engaging in combat against the Nazis during World War II.
Ian Gribbin, the candidate for the East Sussex constituency of Bexhill and Battle, informed Sky News that he fully retracted his statements and issued an unreserved apology.
He expressed his dissatisfaction, explaining that his remarks were "misinterpreted." He pointed out that his mother was born to Russian Jewish parents who escaped persecution.
Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.
Rishi Sunak caught his adversaries off-guard by announcing a 4 July election date, despite earlier suggestions that it would occur in the later part of autumn.
At the time, addressing Mr. Gribbin’s situation, Mr. Farage explained that his party "did not have enough time" to thoroughly screen candidates.
The leader of the Reform party stated that all political groups will face difficulties due to the rushed candidate selection process following the sudden announcement of the election.
Learn more: The competition is tight in this key district. Mandelson: Farage is intimidating the Conservatives, with Sunak feeling the pressure.
The individuals running for office in Saffron Walden include:
The individuals running for election in Bexhill and Battle include:
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