A MEMBER of the far right National Front has provoked outrage in St Albans by winning a place on a local council.

Simon Deacon, 41, who has been a member of the party since 1990, was declared "elected" to Markyate Parish Council as there were not enough candidates for an election.

While he claims his priorities are to improve village bus services and facilities for the disabled, he makes no secret of his racist ideology.

He told the St Albans Observer: "England was a white country - we think it should be returned to that.

"I have been elected by a democratic process, and I will be fighting for a better future for Markyate."

An invitation to the St Albans Observer to attend a National Front meeting at an undisclosed location "within 15 minutes drive of The Ancient Briton in St Albans" was later withdrawn.

Parish clerk Jenny Bissmire, who was unaware of councillor Deacon's membership of the National Front until contacted by the Observer, said he lived in the village, and had been correctly nominated and seconded.

She said no election was necessary as there were only nine nominations for ten parish council seats.

Labour district councillor and parliamentary candidate Roma Mills said: "I find it very disturbing. The National Front preys on people's fear.

"I very much regret there was no one in Markyate to contest the seat.

"If he did not indicate his political affiliation, it was entirely dishonest. We know the far right are looking to develop their profile nationally."

Lib Dem councillor Aislinn Lee said: "There is nothing the parish can do. It is a weakness in the system.

"What has happened in Markyate could happen in any parish around St Albans.

"Parish councillors are movers and shakers in their communities - it is important they have the public's respect.

"In a democracy, we might not like it, but we have to accept it.

"It should be a lesson to us all.

"Elections should be publicised, with manifestos sent to all residents.

"If this man says he wants a white England, then quite clearly he will not be serving people who are not white.

"We live in a democracy, with freedom of speech and thought. I defend the National Front's right to be, even though I despise them."

A "public forum" Councillor Deacon will be holing in a school in Caddington, Bedfordshire, on Saturday "in light of his recent victory" is set to be picketed by protestors from the Anti-Nazi League.

The first meeting of the new parish council is on May 8.