UKIP candidate who branded gay people ‘perverts’ and ‘paedophiles’ quits

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A Welsh UKIP parliamentary candidate who praised a statement branding gay people as “fascist perverts” and “paedophiles” has resigned from the party.

Donald Grewar will no longer stand for UKIP in Newport East at the general election in May.

The South Wales Argus reports he announced the decision in a resignation letter to his party.

Mr Grewar said: “I am sad to have to be writing this letter, but I have come to the conclusion that, following the revelation of some comments that I posted on the Internet a while ago that I have to reconsider my position as the PPC for Newport East.”

“I recognise fully that those comments, and the implications of those comments puts me in breach of the party rules. I had forgotten that I had posted them, but I had.”

“As such I am tendering my resignation as PPC forthwith. I am truly sorry that my foolishness has caused you, the party and me embarrassment. I wish you, the party and what we all stand for all the best in the elections. It is time for a change in British and Welsh politics and I am sure with commitment and hard work that change will come.”

A UKIP spokesman said: “Following discussions into allegations raised against him Donald Grewar submitted his resignation to the party which was accepted immediately and unequivocally.

“Mr Grewar agreed completely with the assessment that his actions whilst not malicious were regrettable. He said he wished the future candidate every success and said he was confident the branch would unite behind the new candidate for the greater good of Newport.”

Mr Grewer was investigated for appearing to support comments on a BNP website describing gay people as “fascist perverts” and “paedophiles”.

The BNP had published an article in August 2013 criticising the legalisation of same-sex marriage in England and Wales.

In response to an EDL post warning of “no surrender to militant Islam or political correctness”, Mr Grewer wrote: “Thus sais it all… the mood of the nation… well done EDL” (sic).