In a surprising turn of events, former Reform UK candidate Grant StClair-Armstrong has resigned over historic blog posts advocating for the British National Party (BNP), which he described as “daft and inappropriate”. The resignation comes after The Times unearthed comments from his 2010 blog, Joli Triste, where he expressed disillusionment with the state of the UK and suggested voting for the BNP.
StClair-Armstrong, now running as an independent in North West Essex, had initially posted: “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!”
Despite his resignation, the deadline for nominations has passed, meaning he will still appear on the ballot as the Reform UK candidate but will serve as an independent if elected.
Reform UK has distanced itself from the comments, with a spokesperson labelling them as the product of a “difficult and angry time” in StClair-Armstrong’s life. “He regrets them, and has resigned,” the spokesperson added.
StClair-Armstrong has publicly condemned the BNP and other far-right groups, telling The Times, “I’ve got no excuses for that. I think they’re a disgusting party. I don’t like the English Defence League. I don’t like them.” He emphasised his regret and asserted that he had never supported the BNP, attributing his resignation to pressure from Reform UK.
This incident occurs just as Nigel Farage prepares to unveil Reform UK’s new manifesto in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, at 13:00 today. Farage aims to present a “contract” with voters and launch a “crusade to defend British values,” using the location to criticise Labour’s impact on the country.
The controversy surrounding StClair-Armstrong highlights the heightened scrutiny candidates face in the digital age and the lasting impact of past online behaviour on political careers.
