"Thuggish extremist" Tommy Robinson has been told he's not welcome on Merseyside in a bold statement that has the backing of multiple political parties.
Robinson - real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - is expected to visit the region over the coming weeks as part of his bid to get elected as MEP for the North West.
That begins in Wirral this weekend, when the far-right campaigner is set to visit the Beechwood area of Bidston in Birkenhead , but a protest has been planned against his visit.
In a statement that has the support of various political parties, the Wirral Labour leadership slammed the founder of the English Defence League Robinson, saying his "far-right, extremist views - which seek to sow division - have no place in Wirral".
A joint statement from Cllrs Pat Hackett, Anita Leech and Janette Williamson added: "His thuggish language and behaviour aims to pit people against each other, but our borough represents everything which Robinson cannot stand: comradeship, unity and peace.
"Wirral has always stood up to the far-right and calls out racism and hatred, whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head.
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"When Mr Robinson visits Birkenhead on Sunday, he shouldn't be surprised to find local people rightly reject what he has to say."
The visits come after Robinson, who is running as an independent candidate ahead of this month's European Elections , was twice attacked with milkshakes while out campaigning in the north west - in Warrington and Bury.
On Friday, Robinson's pledge to donate any salary he may receive from being elected as a MEP to child victims of sexual grooming was slammed as an "insult to survivors of abuse".
In a letter from more than 40 women and charities, women's groups claimed he's "no ally for the children he claims to stand for".
Cllr Julie McManus, whose Wirral Council ward Bidston and St James covers the area of Robinson's visit, told the ECHO : "People on this estate aren't stupid and Tommy Robinson and people like him are definitely not welcome here.
"People have been asking me who he is and what he's going to be doing, and once I've explained, [they've made it] clear they don't want him here.
"We have a strong sense of community. They are hard working people and it's a good, vibrant place to live and work.
"It's about people looking after one another - something Robinson and his hatred do not stand for."
Cllr McManus said she thinks Robinson is visiting as Birkenhead voted to leave in 2016's Brexit referendum, and the reputation the area has for deprivation and poverty, but she added: "That doesn't mean people sign up to what he says."
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In terms of a protest against Robinson, she expected a "strong response", but was concerned about any potential conflict that may arise.
She added: "I have seen a lot of posts on social media against his visit but I really still think the best outcome is if he doesn't come."
Other areas of Merseyside in Robinson's tour dates are believed to include Stockbridge in Knowsley and Bootle. He visited St Helens on Thursday.
A statement from a Hope Not Hate spokesperson said: "'Tommy Robinson' is a thug with criminal convictions who stirs up trouble wherever he goes. Polling shows that most people can't stand him, but he does have some support and if turnout is low in this election he could sneak in. It's not enough to dislike like what 'Tommy' stands for, you have to come and vote for another candidate on May 23.”
A spokeswoman for the 'Vote Tommy' campaign group said: "Unfortunately, Wirral’s Labour Leadership is misinformed. Mr. Robinson is committed to bringing communities together and standing up for the forgotten voices of the North West.
"Tommy has been, despite incorrect reporting by the media, warmly received in every town he has visited.
"Any accusation of racism against Tommy are obviously false. Tommy is not racist — he grew up in a mixed-race, low-income town called Luton, and has friends of all backgrounds.
"Further, Tommy has never been charged (let alone convicted) of any political crime or hate crime.
"We are already receiving strong support form the Birkenhead area and are looking forward to meeting its great people."
