I didn't know National Front was whites only says councillor

John Gamble’s NF move was condemned when it emerged this week.

But Cllr Gamble, who denies holding racist views, said that the group’s membership policy was news to him—despite the NF’s slogan proclaiming that it wants to secure “a future for white children.”

The Brinsworth and Catcliffe ward councillor, originally elected for the BNP in 2008, admits he “might not have fully researched” his switch from the England First Party.

He said: “One reason I left the BNP was because they had a problem with me publicly saying I wasn’t a racist—but how could I be when my girlfriend at the time was coloured?

“If I was to find myself with another coloured lady and the NF had a problem with that then I would leave the group.

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“I’ve been asked about the NF being whites only, which I wasn’t aware of. Perhaps I didn’t research it enough.”

Cllr Mahroof Hussain, Rotherham Borough Council’s Cabinet member for community development and engagement, said Cllr Gamble’s excuses “didn’t wash.”

“It shows exactly what kind of elected figure he is,” he added. “John Gamble has proved a completely ineffective councillor, whichever party he has belonged to.

“He has not delivered for the people of his ward, which is the foremost responsibility of a local councillor.

“I think anyone who changes parties should have to stand for election again, and he should have to stand for re-election on his new NF mandate. He can’t keep chopping and changing.”

It is believed that Cllr Gamble’s latest change of allegiance makes Rotherham  the first authority to have an NF member.

Labour group secretary Cllr Reg Littleboy, who also represents Brinsworth and Catcliffe, called on Cllr Gamble to resign.

He said: “His extreme views hold no bounds and the issue would be a real laughing matter if it wasn’t so serious.”

Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron said: “Another contradiction in this is the fact that he’s been elected on to the borough council but the NF doesn’t believe in elections, just in white supremacy.

“It’s extraordinary. They want to smash Parliament and get rid of us—I don’t know how it’s allowed under current laws.

“Cllr Gamble has been elected to represent the people of Brinsworth and Catcliffe and most decent people there would be outraged at his views.”

Cllr Gamble said: “I’m still here to serve the people as best I can. I don’t hold surgeries but my unique selling point is that I’m available 24/7. I will go and see people any time, day or night.”

The NF reported a surge in membership requests after the BNP was forced by the High Court last month to alter its constitution to allow non-whites as members.

A statement on the NF website this week welcomed Cllr Gamble, saying: “Yorkshire NF members feel our party is greatly strengthened by the addition of such a committed nationalist.”