Michael Barnbrook, Bexley Branch, today made an allegation to the Kent Constabulary Racial Incident unit of a race hate crime.

The allegation relates to an article by Jerome Taylor in the Independent Newspaper published on Saturday 21st February, 2009, reporting the victory of the British National Party in the Sevenoaks District, Swanley Council By Election on Thursday 19th February, 2009.

The article quotes a Labour activist by the name of Lesley Dyall claiming that British National Supporters chanted “blacks out” after the result was declared at Swanley Town Hall.

Michael was a polling agent at Swanley Civic Centre, where the count took place, between 7.30am and 11. 30pm. He was in the Civic Centre during and after the result had been announced and is emphatic that no such incident took place.

There were three police officers on duty at the count, including an Inspector, a Sergeant and a Constable, who, if such an incident did take place , would surely have reported the incident and made arrests.

The Returning Officer actually thanked everyone at the count for the smooth manner in which it had been conducted.

Michael is alleging that the comments allegedly made by Lesley Dyall, if the article is correct, amount to an intention to stir up racial hatred, an offence under the Public Order Act, 1986. He is asking for a full investigation to take place into the allegations made in the newspaper article.

Michael is prepared to make a statement and attend court to give evidence, if necessary.

Michael is requesting that all members present at the count contact the Kent Constabulary Racial Incident Reporting Line on 0800 138 1624 to complain about the newspaper article and request an investigation.