Tory hopeful stands down over plot with EDL fanatics
THE Tory candidate accused of plotting to stage a march with the English Defence League quit yesterday – a day before a disciplinary hearing.
Afzal Amin was recorded apparently asking the far-right group to announce an inflammatory protest against a mosque.
It was claimed he would then intervene to prevent the march and take credit for defusing racial tensions.
In media interviews yesterday morning, Mr Amin appeared to admit the march was discussed, but insisted it was intended to bring locals around the table to ‘resolve their differences’.
He claimed he would mount a robust defence of his actions.
But Tory sources say Mr Amin stood down after speaking to party chairman Grant Shapps. Officials will now start the process of selecting a new candidate for the marginal seat of Dudley North. The party had high hopes for Mr Amin, a former Army captain who has done three tours of Afghanistan and who was one of relatively few ethnic minority candidates.
His meetings with Tommy Robinson, a former EDL leader, all captured on film, were published in the Mail on Sunday.
In the recordings, he could be heard telling Mr Robinson his ‘fantasy’ would be announcing a fake march – just weeks after a real march against a mosque in the town saw 30 arrests.
A Tory party source described the footage as ‘pretty damning’.
Mr Amin, 40, claimed he had been the subject of a sting by Mr Robinson and told the BBC he was deploying ‘ conflict resolution’ techniques he learnt in Afghanistan.
But in the covert film he also apparently offered the EDL supporters money to canvass on his behalf, and promised to be their ‘ unshakeable ally’ in Parliament if he was elected.
The father of two, who grew up in the West Midlands, was trying to overturn a majority of just 649 votes in the seat held by Labour MP Ian Austin. Ukip are expected to make a strong challenge. A Conservative spokesman said yesterday that Mr Amin had resigned with immediate effect.
The party will draw up a list of suitable candidates from those who apply to the local association. The candidate must be chosen by April 9 – a month before the election.