Winston McKenzie barred from standing in London Mayoral election

Former friends: Nigel Farage with Winston McKenzie
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Hannah Al-Othman3 April 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Controversial politician and Celebrity Big Brother housemate Winston McKenzie has been barred from standing in the Mayoral election – because he missed the deadline to file his paperwork.

The former boxer, who has stood twice in the past as a parliamentary candidate for Ukip and also ran for Ukip party leader, was hoping to stand as the English Democrat candidate for mayor.

Mr McKenzie - has previously been a member of the Labour Party, Liberal Democrats, and the Conservative Party - left Ukip of his own accord to join the English Democrats last year.

However, officials confirmed today that Mr McKenzie's named would not be on the official ballot as his nomination papers were not properly completed before the deadline.

The 62-year-old, from Croydon, also submitted paperwork that was invalid, as it contained signatures that also appeared on other candidates' nomination ballot papers, London Elects said.

A spokeswoman for London Elects added: "The nominations process for Mayor of London candidates opened on March 21 and closed at 4pm on March 31.

"London Elects encouraged all prospective candidates to contact them within good time to discuss the process and to give advice on the paperwork required. This was made very clear to all who had shown an interest in the nominations process.

"The English Democrats prospective candidate for Mayor of London, Winston McKenzie, met with London Elects for the first time at 13.45 on March 31 2016. At that time, the paperwork was incomplete.

"Mr McKenzie was given the opportunity to resolve matters by the 4pm legal deadline.

"Mr McKenzie and his agent did not submit all the paperwork by the 4pm deadline. Upon inspection, the incomplete forms contained errors which would have invalidated the nomination - in the form of duplicate signatures from other candidates’ nomination papers.

"Electoral law is explicit and the rules must be applied in all cases."

An English Democrats spokesman said: "The hurdles to stand in the London Mayoralty have deliberately been made more difficult than for any other elected position in the whole country.

"This has been done by the British political establishment deliberately to frustrate democracy and to maintain their grip on power.

"To stand the cost is phenomenal at £20,000 and the form filling is a daunting task for those whose campaign coffers are not filled by big business or big donors. Three-hundred-and-thirty electors' signatures have to be collected, 10 from each of the 33 London boroughs and if even one of those is a duplicate then a candidate will be prevented from standing."

Mr McKenzie added: "Just like another Winston said in sterner times I also say 'We shall never surrender'. I shall fight on because England’s Cause is too important to be given up whatever the hurdles that must be overcome!"

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