The British National Party looks set to make significant gains in the London borough of Barking and Dagenham, taking 11 seats so far. Elsewhere the BNP claimed a shock win in Solihull, winning their first seat on the council from Labour, and has gained three seats in Stoke-on-Trent and another three from Labour in Sandwell in the West Midlands.
The results have led to renewed criticism of the employment minister and local MP Margaret Hodge, who last month claimed as many as 80% of white working class people in her constituency said they might vote for the BNP. She continues to deny that her controversial remarks encouraged people in her constituency to vote for the far right party. Mrs Hodge said: "I was really reflecting what I was hearing. I think it is an insult to voters to think that they respond to a single comment." But it would be surprising if local Labour party activists share that view after tonight's result.
