Tommy Robinson has announced he WILL stand in the forthcoming European elections.
The former English Defence League leader, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, pledged to represent "the working class of England" if elected as an Independent MEP in the North West.
In a letter on his website, the convicted mortgage fraudster claimed politicians including Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and those in the European Union are "laughing at us".
He said: "17.4 million of us voted for Brexit, but they don't care about people like us. They've tried to silence us, and they took away our democratic rights by betraying Brexit.
"The election on 23rd May is how we fight back.
Eight arrested as police swoop on suspected heroin and crack dealers in dawn raids
"Put me right inside the EU and they won’t know what hit them.
"They’ll long for the days when it was just Nigel Farage."
He went on to describe former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, who has launched the Brexit Party, as "just another millionaire stockbroker who looks down at the working classes".
Robinson is holding an event in Wythenshawe, south Manchester, later today at which he is expected to address supporters on his first entry into frontline politics next month.
Woman who left mum to die screams 'how could you do this to me?' at jury
Anti-extremism campaigners Hope Not Hate called for voters to sign up to oppose him.
Chief executive Nick Lowles said: "Stephen Lennon is a far-right thug who uses his platform to bully, abuse and stir up division, monetising his hatred to rake in donations from his fans.
"In these Euro elections, the fewer people who vote, the easier it is for extremists to win a seat, so if you've ever been appalled or angered by Stephen Lennon's constant diet of fake news, hatred and abuse towards others, then you need to ensure you, your friends, family and community turn up and vote on May 23.
"The North West needs a voice of hope, not hatred."
Robinson has been banned from Twitter after he was judged to have breached its "hateful conduct" policy. He has been jailed multiple times, including for fraud, assault, and contempt of court.
This evening Tell Mama UK, the service for recording anti-Muslim incidents and supporting victims, reported that "it appears that Stephen Yaxley-Lennon is using the European elections to circumvent his Twitter ban."
A Twitter account, the Tommy Robinson MEP Campaign, was set up in April 2019, seemingly only a few hours before Yaxley-Lennon announced his candidacy.
