A councillor has raised serious concerns after reports of a 'far-right' political group being set up in Southend.

Matt Dent, Labour councillor for Kursaal took to Twitter to voice his concerns.

Posters have been put up from a group called For Britain Movement.

He said on Twitter: “I've received alarming reports of posters for a far-right political group cropping up in locations around Southend, particularly on the Woodgrange Estate in Kursaal ward.

“The emergence of divisive, hate-fuelled far-right politics in our communities is something we have to be eternally vigilant against. We need unity, not division, and cannot allow one group to be played against another, along fictitious and imaginary lines.

”I urge residents who see these posters to report them. Flyposting is illegal, and once reported they can be removed quickly. They can be reported to me, or directly to the council via the MySouthend app.”

A For Britain Movement spokesman said: "It is a shame that this Councillor, like so many, chooses to make wild statements without any basis in fact.

"For Britain was founded by an ex Labour Party member that worked for the NHS, and even a cursory glance at the party manifesto would see policies that in the majority are left leaning. As a party we typically appeal to traditional Labour voters.

"Due to misrepresentation in the media we have had to recruit legal staff to take action against smears and false claims. A statement from our exec committee can be seen on our website on how we are being successful in this, recently pursuing a Labour activist with a successful police prosecution.

"This misrepresentation has  attracted a few actual far right who thought they may be welcome. They were expelled immediately. It is the job of the media to be honest and until this happens we will continue to take the strongest action available to us.

"Our advice to this councillor would be to stop fuelling angry divisive politics with smears and attempts to shut down views contrary to his own and discuss and debate with us. He may learn we aren't who he thinks we are. Our experience however shows bigots shy away from discussion and stick to soundbites, so we shall see."

 

I've received alarming reports of posters for a far-right political group cropping up in locations around Southend, particularly on the Woodgrange Estate in Kursaal ward. pic.twitter.com/nmioe5LCfw