Ex-UKIP candidate who ranted about ‘disgusting poofters’ to stand as independent
Former UKIP candidate Kerry Smith – who ranted about “f**king disgusting” poofters – will stand for Parliament as an independent.
Mr Smith was the party’s candidate in key seat South Basildon and East Thurrock – but was forced to step down after recording leaked of him making a series of seriously offensive comments.
In the recording Mr Smith ranted about “f**king disgusting old poofters”, called a Chinese woman a “Chinky bird”, and joked about “shooting peasants”.
He blamed the outbursts on his pain medication – but stood down from UKIP to avoid embarrassing the party further.
However, the disgraced candidate still intends to stand for parliament – as an independent.
UKIP told the BBC that Mr Smith was “entitled to stand” as an independent candidate – and that he is “his own man”.
The party is yet to select a candidate to replace Mr Smith – after controversy surrounding former Tory Neil Hamilton.
The Scottish MEP – who is the party’s most senior gay politician – said: “If you want an authoritarian party, there’s nobody more authoritarian than the Lib Dems or Labour party.
“They’ll tell you eat your five a day, no smoking, no drinking, no sex, no nothing.”
When questioned on banning sex, he added: “They’re getting round to it. What I call the equality Nazis, people who want everyone to fit into their stereotypes.”
