A British National Party member exposed by the Newcastle Evening Chronicle has been suspended from his job.

The move comes after an investigation by the paper which infiltrated two far right groups in the North East and named Kevin Scott as being among 17 prominent far right supporters.

The paper revealed that Mr Scott is the British National Party organiser for the North East and acted as election agent for two BNP candidates in Sunderland during the General Election in June.

It said that he also stood as the BNP’s candidate in Silksworth, Sunderland, in 1994 under the slogan “Rights for whites” and has criminal convictions for assault and threatening behaviour.

B&Q has now suspended Mr Scott on full pay.

Spokeswoman Lorian Coutts said: “We found out about this at 6pm on Friday night. In our equal opportunities policy it is ironic that we don’t discriminate against political affiliation.

“But we have suspended Mr Scott while we conduct a full investigation into claims made against him.

“Until that investigation is complete our hands are tied regarding any further action.”

Mr Scott said: “I have been smeared by association with thugs. On the back of that I have been suspended from work.

“The BNP is a moderate and democratic political party and we are gaining support from around the country.

“I will fight for reinstatement at work, if necessary through the courts, and I will continue to fight for my political beliefs.”

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