Outrage as Labour candidate likens the Queen to ‘vermin’

Labour candidate Peter White said the Queen was a 'parasite'
12 April 2012

A Labour Party candidate came under fire from the Tories today after he likened the Queen to "vermin".

Peter White, who is contesting the South Hornchurch council ward in Havering next year, used the Facebook site of Tory MP Andrew Rosindell to condemn plans to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Mr Rosindell last week presented a bill calling for a national holiday to coincide with the anniversary.

South Hornchurch is in the constituency of Dagenham and Rainham, currently held by Labour's Jon Cruddas.

Neighbouring Barking and Dagenham Council is one of the BNP's strongest areas.

Mr White, a former election agent in Romford, wrote: "What is the point of celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of someone who is born into a position of privilege, she is a parasite and milks this country for everything she can.

"She has more front than Margate asking for extra money from the civil list. Maybe she should sell a couple of her properties.

"Maybe if she wants Buckingham Palace to be maintained from public funds she should open it to the public.

"Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with a public holiday but lets [sic] have one that means something, rather than celebrating vermin."

Romford MP Mr Rosindell said that he was "appalled" by Mr White's remarks. "I suspect that many Labour voters will also be offended by his comments. I think this very damaging to the Labour Party as many working-class voters support the Queen," he said.

"Everyone is entitled to their views as to whether we are a Monarchy or a Republic, but most of the public would disagree with such offensive language."

Mr White today stood by his remarks. "Maybe you could say I went too far, but that's for other people to judge," he told The Standard.

"I think that Republicanism is a valid viewpoint and there are plenty of people who agree with me."

The Barking and Dagenham council elections will be particularly closely watched next year as the east London borough already has the biggest number of BNP councillors in the country. The BNP has 12 of the 51 seats and is the official opposition.

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