Tommy Robinson has violated electoral law just 24 hours after he announced he will run for MEP in the North West of England.
The far-right independent candidate was told by police to stop handing out free burgers and hot dogs to supporters at a rally because free food is paramount to “bribing voters”.
Sky News reports suggest around 300 supporters turned up to hear Robinson at a “Family BBQ” held in Wythenshaw, where he told crowds that he was entering a “David versus Goliath” battle to represent Britain’s “betrayed” working class.
He said: “Everyone is so disillusioned with the liars in parliament, but that is also our weakness.
“It is the reason we are being betrayed and will continue being betrayed until they fear us.
“The only way they will fear us is if we take their seats.”
Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, was projected onto a large digital screen, which earlier in the afternoon read “Tommy Robinson here tonight 8pm.”
Councillors Tommy Judge, Madeleine Monaghan and Tim Whiston issued a statement to residents condemning Robinson before the event.
In a letter they said: “Like you, we were horrified over the weekend to learn that two local men had invited Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aka Tommy Robinson, to hold a ‘Family BBQ’ in Sheraton ward.
“Benchill is a residential area, full of homes and families – this area is not suitable for a meeting of this size.
“There has been no thought for the safety of residents or even for those wishing to attend the event, especially for young children and families.
“Mr Yaxley-Lennon has been offered an alternative venue which would minimise disruption to our residents and which has ample toilet facilities and litter bins – however Mr Yaxley-Lennon refuses to move his meeting.”
