A UKIP candidate, who previously said politicians from Britain’s three main political parties should be hanged and their voters tried for treason, is standing again in Merseyside.
When Gordon Ferguson stood in Cambridge ward (in Southport) in 2014 he sent letters to prospective voters that said Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians had committed Britain to 'slavery' and should be punished by death.
Parts of the letter read: "[The Conservatives, Labour and Lib Dems] have sold Britain, which is the 5th largest economy, illegally into increasing slavery inside the EU dictatorship.
"Those responsible should be brought to trial and those found guilty of treason, should be hung by the neck until dead (but Blair illegally changed the penalty to save his own neck)
"If you vote for any of the three [main] parties, you will be aiding and abetting them and you will also be guilty by association of treason against our nation.
"The Russians call us 'the sleep walkers'. It is about time everyone woke up to what is going on."
In an email to the Guardian, Mr Ferguson later said he 'regretted any embarrassment caused' and was not media trained.
He is standing in Norwood ward in Southport in this year's local elections.
Chair of Southport UKIP, Terry Durrance, speaking on behalf of Mr Ferguson, says his comments should never have been taken seriously.
He said: "We live in an age where we have to be so careful about every little thing we say.
"People take things too seriously, and I'm pretty sure that when he sent out those letters his intentions were not that it should be taken literally.
"This is all water under the bridge but one can't erase the past. If offence was given it is regrettable."
On 5 April, the BBC reported that Swale Borough UKIP councillor Padmini Nissanga described EU Remain voters as "traitors" who should "face the death penalty". Ms Nissanga defended the comments, saying "if people don't agree they don't vote for me".
