PROTESTS are planned when a British National Party councillor takes his town hall seat for the first time tomorrow.

Father-of-two David Exley, 39, will attend Kirklees Council's full meeting after winning a by-election in Heckmondwike last month.

A group called Kirklees United Against Racism and Fascism said it would be mounting a demonstration.

Ian Brooke, the group's acting organiser, said Huddersfield was a great example of a multicultural town and the BNP was not wanted.

"We do not want the kind of discord and hatred that we have seen in Oldham, Burnley and Bradford to affect the harmony of our town.

"We do not want the BNP coming here with their message of hatred and conflict causing social unrest," said Mr Brooke.

The new councillor will be seated tomorrow next to Clr Elaine Sims, the sole Liberal on the council.

Clr Exley won his seat with a 114-vote majority after former Labour councillor Tim Crowther decided to stand as an independent.

There were angry scenes when the ballot result was announced at Batley Town Hall last month.

One man was arrested in clashes between dozens of police and demonstrators.

Clr Exley, who lives in Birstall, beat Liberal Democrat Tabasum Aslam into second place to win the first seat for the BNP in Kirklees.

The turnout was 43.8% - far higher than the usually 30% or so.

The party now has 18 local councillors in England after winning a seat in Thurrock, Essex, earlier this month.

BNP spokesman Dr Phil Edwards said: "These people who say they will demonstrate are a self-appointed minority who don't represent anybody.

"They haven't been elected by anybody and whatever they say we treat with contempt."

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