COUNCILLORS have reacted to the BNP gaining more votes than the Labour candidate in the Worcestershire County Council elections.

In St George's and St Oswald's, the BNP’s Tony Gervis received 300 votes, 65 more than Labour candidate, Barry McFarland, who finished last.

Mumshad Ahmed won the division with 816 votes, closely run by Independent Community and Health Concern leader, Howard Martin with 745.

Wyre Forest Labour leader, Mike Kelly, said he was “extremely disappointed” by the result but added: “People go out and put their cross where they choose. That’s what democracy is about.

“I don’t think people who have voted for the BNP completely realise what they are about as a party. The people have had their say, though.”

Liberal councillor Fran Oborski, who spoke out against the BNP nomination before the election, said she was “horrified” Mr Gervis got 300 votes.

She added: “This needs to be a wake-up call to politicians. We have to start to address the people who feel totally marginalised and excluded from the politicial process.

“We really have to look and see that we have to do to counteract the BNP’s policies.”