BNP fails to capture council seat

The BNP used the image of the bombed number 30 bus

The British National Party, which used images of the bombed London bus on a leaflet, has failed to gain a council seat at a by-election.

Labour held the Becontree seat in the east London borough of Barking and Dagenham with a majority of nearly 800.

The BNP used a photograph of the bus with the caption, "maybe it's time to start listening to the BNP" .

In another by-election in the borough last month the BNP lost its only council representation in London.

The winning candidate, Alok Agrawal, said after the result: "It was very sad using a national tragedy in order to try and gain votes."

'Massively rejected'

"They thought people were fools. They thought people would fall into a trap.

"But the voters have massively rejected them. They have told the BNP 'We don't want you in Barking and Dagenham'."

Police said the count in central Dagenham had passed off without major incident.

Inspector Stephen Manger said officers were investigating a minor incident involving a Labour supporter and a BNP supporter.

The BNP supporter had made a complaint of "name calling" and the Labour supporter had complained of "being pushed".

The by-election was held following the death of a Labour councillor.