A WIDOW defeated the far Right in a crucial Halifax by-election yesterday.

Liberal Democrat Jennifer Pearson, whose Huddersfield-born husband, Stephen, died in August, sparking the election, beat the British National Party by 400 votes in the Mixenden ward.

School governor Heath Clegg had been hoping to join two other BNP colleagues on Calderdale Council.

Mrs Pearson polled 1,210 votes. Mr Clegg was second with 801.

Labour came third with 474 votes and an independent candidate was fourth with 56 votes.

After her victory Mrs Pearson said she was absolutely thrilled, adding: "I think the BNP have reached their limits.

"We ran a very strong campaign and the Labour Party simply faded away.

"It shows we are the party to stop the BNP."

Her husband, a former Calderdale Mayor, died after losing a battle against cancer.

The BNP was dealt a further blow last night in Burnley, where it has enjoyed its strongest support.

Its candidate, John Cave, was beaten into third place in a council by-election.

Liberal Democrats topped the poll, with Labour second.