Would you BNP it? It's bye-bye BBI once again

The voters of Boston are nothing if not controversial.
Last night they elected the British National Party candidate to fill the vacancy in the town's Fenside ward caused by the resignation of Guy Curley after a drink driving conviction.
David Owens is the first BNP candidate to be voted on to a council in Lincolnshire.
The full result was:

• Gavin Carrington (Lib Dem) - 23
• Norman Hart (Labour) 69
• David Owens (BNP) - 279
• Paul Mould (Conservative) - 119
• Carl Smith (Boston Bypass Independents ) - 141
• Cyril Wakefield (UKIP) - 24

The vote now highlights the issue of immigration in the town, which has been simmering for years.
Mr Owens is quoted as saying: "I think the people of Fenside and the people of Boston have said tonight that immigration is at capacity here." He added that some foreign nationals working in Boston lived in conditions akin to "a third world republic," and he said he wanted better working and living conditions for all.
Boston Borough Council leader Richard "Papa Dick" Austin could fairly be described as gobsmacked. He's quoted as saying "I think this will have serious implications for Boston and I want to reflect on the implications of this result."
The day was marred by a stunt attributed to the Better Boston Group, which hadn't bothered to field a candidate for the seat. A white van was seen driving around Fenside with caricatures of four BBI figures, saying "another by-election due to BBI drink drive - don't vote BBI."
Meanwhile, the BBI also stands accused of slipping in a last minute manifesto by sending two letters to the Boston Standard. Headed "BBI: We are independent and do put Boston first" - the letters were from Councillors Ray Newell and John Storry. They dominated the letters page just the day before the election and one or two contributors have questioned whether the newspaper acted within the electoral rules in publishing it when it did.
The new look council now comprises 19 BBI members, 6 Conservatives, 4 Better Boston Group 2 Independents and 1 BNP.
We do believe that there are interesting times ahead.

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