A vicar has backed an anti-racism group’s campaign to stop voters supporting a British National Party (BNP) candidate in an upcoming byelection.

Kingston Unite Against Fascism has released a statement condemning the decision of the BNP to stand David Child in the Grove ward byelection on Thursday, July 5.

The organisation believed the party was using the byelection as a platform to spread racism.

So far 82 people have signed the Kingston Unite Against Fascism petition, including other byelection candidates and community figureheads such as the Rev Jonathan Wilkes, the vicar at All Saints Church, Kingston.

The campaign’s organiser Richard Donnelly said: “We have to take a principled stand against the BNP wherever it raises its ugly head.

“The community has made it clear that racists aren’t welcome in Kingston.”

Rev Wilkes said: “It’s an expression of objection to the BNP being part of a democratic process in our neighbourhood. They don’t promote a tolerant and harmonious community.

“They promote ideas that I don’t believe build a civil society, but it is not for me to tell anyone else how to think.”

The Surrey Comet was unable to contact Mr Child despite several attempts.