Press Release
May 6 2002
ELECTION DIRTY TRICKS IN TIPTON
Police are investigating illegal election practices by the Labour
Party and British National Party during the poll for Tipton Green Ward
of Sandwell Borough Council in the West Midlands last week.
The British National Party distributed election material giving the
Freedom Party's address as their own. The use of a false address during
elections is an offence under election law. The Labour Party then distributed
a leaflet throughout the ward, Tipton Green Labour Rose, claiming that
both the BNP and Freedom Party in reality shared an address and that the
two parties were therefore effectively the same organisation. The Freedom
Party's address is not used by any other organisation and is solely owned
by our party. The purpose of the above manoeuvres was to discourage voters
willing to support Freedom Party candidate Steve Edwards but who would
never offer their vote to the BNP or any group associated with it.
The Freedom Party has no doubt that the above false publications illegally
affected Mr Edwards' vote. He came second to Labour after votes were
counted.
The Freedom Party has no connection with the British National Party
which it regards as thoroughly disreputable. The Freedom Party was
formed to offer the public a political party which supports the continued
existence of our country and society but which cannot fairly be described
in similar terms to those often justifiably employed regarding the BNP.
Mr Edwards is taking legal advice concerning action against both the
offending political parties.