Darling: BNP wins are Labour’s fault
By politics.co.uk staff
The election of two BNP MEPs in the European election can be blamed on Labour’s lack of inspiration, chancellor Alistair Darling has admitted.
BNP leader Nick Griffin and Andrew Brons became the far-right party’s first-ever MEPs when they came fifth in polls in the north-west and Yorkshire and the Humber.
“People felt disillusioned with us and didn’t vote for us,” Mr Darling said. “That’s our fault. We should be able to inspire confidence.
“The government needs to do far ¬better. We need to clearly set out what we are for, our vision for the country and our purpose for being in government.
“On that basis we can say: ‘Give us your ¬support at the next election.'”
Both BNP candidates received less support than last year, but disillusionment with mainstream parties led enough people to stay at home that the two men were able to squeeze through.
Mr Darling also stressed his close relationship with Gordon Brown in his first interview since last Friday’s frantic reshuffle.
“Gordon and I will work as closely as ever,” he said.
“I’m very confident. I want to see this through and I am determined to see it through.”
The prime minister was thought to favour Ed Balls, children’s secretary, for the post, but found himself too weak to force through his desired changes.
