BNP removed from official register of UK political parties for failing to submit form

The British National Party (BNP) is no longer a registered political party in the UK, thanks to an administrative delay.

The Electoral Commission removed the controversial group from its official list today, meaning that it can no longer field candidates.

A spokesperson said the BNP had failed to confirm its registration details, which must be submitted annually for a £25 fee, according to legal requirements that bind all parties.

“Their annual confirmation of registered details was due on or before 7 January 2016,” he added.

“The Electoral Commission did not receive the notification by this date and is required by law to remove the BNP from its register of political parties in Great Britain.”

Shortly after the ruling, the party announced on social media that it would be re-registering immediately, putting the removal down to a “small clerical error”.

“Any application will be considered by the Commission in line with its usual processes,” the Commission said.

The BNP, which has seen a dramatic decline in support since the rise of Ukip and emergence of new far-right party Britain First, was still active online today.

Its Twitter account continued to send out calls for new members, attempting to draw them in using sexual assaults on women during Cologne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Coming to your town soon,” a tweet said. “Don't say we didn't warn you. Join us to help end this madness.”

The party’s website also appeared to be taking donations and membership applications, although there was no answer on its enquiries line.

Adam Walker, who replaced Nick Griffin as chairman after his predecessor was expelled in 2014, had hailed an “exciting new era” for his party.

“The BNP enjoys huge support from the British public and it’s my principal aim to convert that huge support into votes and real electoral success,” he claimed.

But the party was all but wiped out in May’s general election, securing just 1,667 votes compared to more than half a million the year before.

It fielded eight candidates – half the total offered up by the Official Monster Raving Loony Party – and blamed a “constant stream of poison from the left-wing press” for plummeting support.

The BNP, whose policies take a nationalist and anti-immigration stance, has been accused of inciting racism, facism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and homophobia.

A spokesperson for the BNP could not be reached for a comment but a statement on Twitter said: “Lots of media coverage over a small clerical error from a party that is supposed to be dead in the water. Re-registering now with the EC.”