Page "Derek Beackon" Paragraph 4

The initiative first produced results in the Millwall ward in October 1992 when a strong canvassing effort by local activists saw BNP candidate Barry Osborne capture 20 % of the vote in a by-election.

Millwall had long been a seat of unemployment associated with the declining docklands area in London.

Most of the population had been descended from the 19th century workers who had built and operated the docks, but with the building of the Limehouse Link Road, a run down Council estate in Limehouse ( the St. Vincent Estate ) containing predominantly Bangladeshi families, were rehoused in properties in Millwall, previously marketed as ' luxury ', but due to a property downturn had been unable to sell.

This was presented as favourable treatment on grounds of race by the " Liberal Focus Team " seeking to capitalise on the issue.

However, in a close three way contest, the BNP gained from this campaign more than its authors.