The brother of former England star Stuart Pearce was today suspended from the Conservative Party over his BNP links.
Dennis Pearce previously stood as a candidate for the far-right BNP party in the 2010 General Election and 2009 European elections.
In the current snap election he helped prospective Tory MP James Wild stand for the North West Norfolk seat by signing his nomination papers.
But Pearce was suspended from the party as a result of his previous affiliation with the BNP.
Conservative Party agent Ian Sherwood said: “We have now looked into the matter.
"We were not aware the Mr Pearce had any connections with the BNP, our normal checks did not reveal this fact.
“Mr Pearce has been suspended as a member with immediate effect while we investigate this matter further.”
Pearce previously insisted his political views were not shared by his footballer brother.
He is among 20 local people who have nominated Mr Wild as a prospective MP.
Yesterday Pearce admitted he had swapped political allegiance to the Conservatives but refused to comment further.
Rob Colwell, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in the same seat, said: “It is yet further evidence of the Tory party move to the far-right.
“I want James Wild to immediately distance himself publicly from this man who signed his nomination paper and provide an explanation of his links.”
Labour candidate Jo Rust added: “It shows a distinct lack of insight by the Conservative Party to think that someone with this known history is an appropriate person to sign the forms.”
Ex-Notts Forest star Stuart Pearce, 57, was himself embroiled in a racism scandal in 1994.
He was forced to apologise to man United midfielder Paul Ince after he allegedly racially abused him during a Premier League game.
But speaking in 2009, the ex-footballer, nicknamed 'Psycho', said: "My brother's political views are his own and are not in anyway reflected in my own views.
Dennis Pearce polled 1,774 votes in South West Norfolk for the BNP in 2010.
