BNP leader Nick Griffin is backing himself to make it to Parliament believing after saying Thurrock is a burgeoning hotbed of support.

Announcing plans to stand in the borough against current Labour MP Andrew Mackinlay at the next general election, the BNP chief said: "I will be standing in Thurrock because local members wanted a high-profile candidate.

"Thurrock is one of our very best areas. In May, one in four people voted BNP there.

"The people of Thurrock face many problems and I will be addressing these in the course of my campaign.

"Thurrock deserves someone who will speak out independently and fearlessly and I intend to do both of these things."

Mr Griffin's announcement has sparked fear in some quarters of further racial tension in an area which is already suffering problems.

It came in the wake of police setting up a special unit to combat hate crimes, which have significantly risen in the Tilbury area this year.

In the past Mr Griffin has used Thurrock as the plaform from which to launch his party's election campaigns, holding key meetings at venues in the borough.

Earlier this year, launching his party's local election manifesto, he reportedly told borough residents he would not tolerate multiculturalism and "coffee-coloured races" though this has been disputed by his supporters.

Despite its claims that Thurrock is a BNP hotbed and strong turnout overall last May, the party has only ever had one councillor elected in Thurrock.

Nick Geri was elected to represent Grays Riverside in a by-election in 2003, but was voted off the council the following year.

The BNP also plans to stand a candidate against MP Angela Smith for the South Basildon and East Thurrock seat, although the contender has yet to be named.

Mrs Smith said: "I am quite surprised the BNP leader is standing in south Essex, but, as in previous elections, do not believe they will be successful."

BNP Leader to stand in Thurrock