THE LABOUR candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Mike-le-Surf has condemned the racist and homophobic comments made by his Ukip rival, Kerry Smith.
Mr Le-Surf said:
"The Ukip sideshow of midweek has now become something more sinister as the Sunday papers reveal the true nature of their prospective parliamentary candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock, Kerry Smith. The party hierarchy must have been in turmoil last Wednesday having been faced with a choice between sleaze specialist Neil Hamilton and Mr. Smith whom they have still failed to endorse nationally despite his "re-selection" locally midweek.
Ukip are a party of fear, division and hatred. Mr. Smith’s sexist, racist and homophobic tirade tells the residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock all they need to know about Ukip candidates and their party. The vast majority of Ukip voters do not support these views. Concerns about levels of immigration, lack of affordable housing and the Tory-led government’s low wage economy raise some very important questions for our society. But Ukip cannot be the answer.
The threat of further Ukip gains in our part of the country is one to be taken seriously. But it is one that must also be addressed fully, debated and discredited by politicians from all parties.
Having directly seen the damage and destruction capable from the type of people Ukip attract to their fold, I know we have difficult times ahead. Whoever is finally declared Ukip’s candidate for South Basildon and East Thurrock however is irrelevant. Who wins this General Election seat in the constituency could not be more important."
