Community Life

The local elections saw the British National Party (BNP) make huge gains in the borough, going from no seats to 11, and making them the second party on the council.

The area had always been a Labour party stronghold so much so, that some parties felt their energies were better spent fighting seats in other boroughs.

For instance the Liberal Democrats only put up four candidates in the entire borough, and the Conservatives put up less than half Labour's 51 candidates.

It was in this climate that the BNP emerged for many people, as an alternative to, or protest vote against Labour.

Well, now George Galloway says there is another option, as his Respect party launches in Barking & Dagenham.

Speaking exclusively to Lebo Diseko, Mr Galloway told BBC London that next time round his party will also be standing for the council, and that it will offer a viable alternative for voters in the borough.

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