Ashfield MP Lee Anderson has denied claims that he supports far-right groups. It comes after photos of the Tory MP and members of the Skegby Scooter Club were posted online.
Anderson, who was promoted to vice-chairman of the Conservative Party earlier this month, was pictured handing out trophies at the club’s annual awards. One of the scooter club members admitted to being a member of the British National Party (BNP) 25 years ago.
Another was photographed wearing a white supremacist ’90s punk band T-shirt. Anderson has now spoken out and insisted that he “does not support any far-right group.”
Read more: Man linked to Ashfield MP Lee Anderson denies allegations of ‘white supremacy’
Mr Anderson said: “I met Skegby Scooter Club on three occasions. First, when they helped me raise £4,000 for a disabled pensioner in Ashfield who needed his rat-infested flat fumigated and new furniture installed. Second, they helped me raise £1200 to send a local youngster to Italy to compete in the European MMA Finals Third, the club invited me to present trophies at their annual event.
“On all three occasions I took photos with dozens of people. Interestingly, I didn’t ask each and every person if they had far-right connections, I only took photos of myself at events. I won’t insult people by asking about their past before taking photos at charity events.
“I do not support any far-right groups and deplore all forms of racism, including white supremacy. The depths to which some people will go to sully my family name is incredible.”
Martin Dudley, aka Martin Fluke who was at the awards, previously spoke to Nottinghamshire Live about being photographed with the MP. Dudley wore a yellow and black Fred Perry polo shirt, discontinued by the brand after he became associated with the far-right group Proud Boys in the United States.
Mr. Dudley’s name and details also appear on the BNP membership list on the Wikileaks website. He confirmed to Nottinghamshire Live that he was a member for a year “about 25 years ago”.
Mr. Dudley also went on to explain the relationship between himself and Mr. Anderson. He said their connection is based on “charity work” for Skegby Scooter Club, which is a club for Vespa and Lambretta enthusiasts based in Skegby, Nottinghamshire.
He added: “My connection to my MP is charity work. I know him, he is my MP and he lives in the Ashfield area, where I live. The last time I saw him was in August.”
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