Forty British National Party activists gathered for a day of action in the North West to support the campaigns of two upcoming Tameside and Stockport Metropolitan Borough Councils (MBC), reports regional organiser Clive Jefferson.

“We are currently contesting two by-elections in the North West,” Mr Jefferson said. “In Tameside MBC, the Denton North East ward voted on 30th July, while the Reddish North ward in the Stockport MBC votes on 23rd July.

“The North West regional council decided to call a joint day of action to help out our election weary colleagues in those areas,” he said.

As a result, the swarm of activists descended on the wards and an estimated 7,000 full colour postcards were delivered.

“Four teams of experienced canvassers took our newer recruits into the ward to learn on the doorstep just how easy canvassing for the BNP can be,” Mr Jefferson continued.

“This was, in essence, a training day, for canvassers and logistics and although I and regional organiser Alistair Barbour were on hand to assist and offer advice, the whole operation was carried out by local activists,” he said.

“This has been a low-key campaign up to now. Although we don’t expect to win either seat, we are confident of good percentages.”

“We are fast building a very effective and knowledgeable election team in the region and it is a sign of our growing confidence and competence that we can call a day of action of this magnitude and carry it out on schedule and without a hitch,” Mr Jefferson concluded.

* Derek Adams toured the wards with his now famous ‘Punish the Pigs’ wagon followed closely by the Tameside A-frame.

A highly motivated and unified North West team then headed to Derek Adams pub, The Ace of Diamonds, for a few drinks and a buffet.