Michael Fabricant speaking to Streethay residents. Pic: Harry Warburton
Michael Fabricant speaking to Streethay residents. Pic: Harry Warburton

Michael Fabricant has admitted he is “pleased” that the British National Party are not standing for election in Lichfield.

The Conservative candidate faces his rivals in a hustings event in Burntwood this evening (April 22) – but he won’t be facing a BNP candidate after they confirmed the constituency would not be contested by their party.

The news means that Mr Fabricant will face Labour’s Steve Hyden, Ian Jackson from the Liberal Democrats and UKIP’s Karen Maunder at the polls on May 6.

But it is the absence of the BNP that has eased some of the concerns of the Conservative candidate.

He said:

“I had been concerned about the strength of feeling that emerged of the proposed siting of the hypothetical mosque opposite Lichfield Cathedral. While I sympathised with the views of some who have similar concerns over other developments in the city, other views expressed were divisive and prejudicial.

“The emergence of the BNP had cast a dark shadow over our city, so I am pleaed that they have decided not to stand on this occasion.”

The hustings event takes place at St John’s Community Church, High Street, Chase Terrace at 7.30pm.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.