Shock for BNP as leader quits suddenly
THE BNP in Stoke-on-Trent have been thrown into turmoil by the shock resignation of their leader.
Councillor Alby Walker, pictured, told his nine-strong group last night that he was standing down with immediate effect.
And he is also unlikely to stand for re-election to the council in May.
Mr Walker, aged 52, told The Sentinel that he wanted to devote more of his time to family and work commitments. The ward member for Abbey Green had led the group since being elected to the city council in May 2006.
However, there have been rumours of growing friction within the group over its future leadership and political direction.
Mr Walker announced his resignation in a brief email to council officials, saying: "As from your receipt of this email I am standing down as group leader of the BNP group.
"When this issue has been resolved within the BNP group the new leader will inform you of the new group structure in due course."
Mr Walker admitted he had been contemplating the move for some time.
He said: "I am finding it difficult to juggle the political workload with my work commitments outside the council, running a joinery business.
"I have also had numerous things on my plate in my personal life, including my wife Ellie's treatment for breast cancer.
"I increasingly felt that I was not giving the role and my responsibility to the group my full attention, so in the interests of the group I have taken the decision to stand down."
Mr Walker also hinted that he is considering giving up his council seat ahead of the May elections.
He said: "I won't deny the rumours at this stage, but I will have to discuss it with the group before I can make a proper decision."
But he declined to say whether he would remain a BNP party member.
He added that he felt he had helped to change public perceptions of the BNP in the city and boost support for the far-right party.
He said: "When I took over, BNP councillors were regarded as lazy ward members who didn't make a positive contribution to debates.
"I have totally transformed the group and our approach to politics, and I just hope that whoever takes over will take that forward."
The group will be run by deputy leader councillor Michael Coleman until a new leadership structure can be decided.
Mrs Walker, aged 54, said she fully supported her husband's decision, but she had no plans to leave the group.
She said: "I support what he is doing, but I think it's a shame as he is really the backbone of the group."
Mr Coleman was last night unavailable for comment.
Labour group leader councillor Mohammed Pervez said: "I think this is a matter for the BNP to sort out.
"I don't want to get involved in their affairs; I've got far more important things to do."
31 Comments
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by Stephen, Gt Yarmouth
Friday, December 18 2009, 2:45PM
“Paolo, if as you suggest ¿England is just a big mealting(sic) pot of cultures¿ and you ask therefore ¿How can anyone talk about English race or English people?¿ why do you call yourself a ¿FOREIGNER¿ !?!”
by paulo, Norfolk
Friday, December 18 2009, 1:06AM
“I am a foreigner who works, pay taxes an raise is kid in England.
I try to stay informed about english politics because i like to compare it with what goes on back in Portugal.
After listening and reading many speeches from different views of the english politic life i realy don´t understand how anyone with some good sense can engage with Mr.Nick Griffin?
How can anyone talk about english race or english people?
England is just a big mealting pot of cultures. There´s no way of bringing the old ways back.
What is the English Heritage?
Sounds a bit like the old empire...
By the way i have been hired back in Portugal to work in England because of the quality of my work not because was cheaper.
In my personal experience, in any way english workers are out of work because of foreigner competition.
That is just a very nasty and xenophobic remark that only makes the gaps even wider.”
by Richard, Birmingham
Thursday, December 17 2009, 9:43PM
“Do not pay attention to the left wing rubbish, they have contributed to the demise of this great country. Its not about race, its about protecting whats left of our heritage. The only political party speaking our language is the BNP. Use your vote with care”
by Annon, Stoke
Thursday, December 17 2009, 8:52PM
“Jules London
Have you ever thought how much immmigrants have benefitted the economy of Stoke on Trent since arriving?
ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH!
Lots of Cannabis Factory's poping up next to the hundreds of curry, chinese and Kebab houses, yes you are right!”
by adrian, stoke-on-trent
Thursday, December 17 2009, 5:59PM
“the bnp are the only political party to seek national power who don't allow non whites to be members,if thats not racist i don't what is. The 1970s national front were much more honest,unlike mealy mouthed bnp supporters.”