UKIP reject candidate 'because of his disability'

Mr Biggs applied to represent the anti-European party in May
13 April 2012

The UK Independence Party was today accused of rejecting a candidate because he is disabled.

Jack Biggs applied to represent the anti-European party in local elections to take place in May.

But the 65-year-old was told he cannot stand as a full candidate because his mobility is impaired following a recent double-knee operation.

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The revelation is a fresh embarrassment for the party, which has been hit by a barrage of sleaze and funding rows in the past fortnight.

In a letter to Mr Biggs, the party said he could only stand as a "paper" candidate, the term used to describe candidates who stand in unwinnable seats for the sake of a party's profile.

"Unfortunately, I have to tell you that, in view of your being registered disabled you will not be able to stand as a full candidate for UKIP," the letter said.

"You say in your letter that as a consequence of your disability you are 'useless at leafleting'. This is why we...will find people who will put posters in their windows and, hopefully, help you with your campaign."

Mr Biggs said he was "disgusted" with UKIP's response and would now run as an independent in the Weymouth and Portland borough council elections.

"I told them I wouldn't run without the full support of the party. I said I could canvass in slow time but not post leaflets because of my legs.

"I think UKIP's decision is disgusting and outrageous so I've told them I won't run without the full support of the party. I'm very angry at this discrimination so I have decided to be stand as an independent again."

A spokeswoman for UKIP said they told Mr Biggs he should be a paper candidate for his own good. She said: "The south west consider a paper candidate to be someone who can't leaflet or canvass every single house in the ward.

"It was a decision made as an act of kindness because we don't want Mr Biggs to be put out. It was just a badly written letter."

Meanwhile, UKIP today suspended an MEP under investigation for allegedly embezzling thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money.

Tom Wise, a former policeman, is accused of channelling nearly £40,000 into his bank account, claiming it was for an assistant's salary.

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