A Welsh UKIP parliamentary candidate who praised a statement branding gay people as “fascist perverts” and “paedophiles” is being investigated by party officials.

Donald Grewar, who is due to stand for UKIP in Newport East at the general election in May, left a message on the BNP website commenting favourably on a statement referring to gay people as “fascist perverts” and “paedophiles”.

Mr Grewar responded: “Well said… sadly this will all come to fruition in the very near future. We need to resist and stand our ground.”

The BNP had published an article in August 2013 criticising the legalisation of same-sex marriage in England and Wales.

In response to an EDL post warning of “no surrender to militant Islam or political correctness”, Mr Grewer wrote: “Thus sais it all… the mood of the nation… well done EDL” (sic).

A UKIP spokesman said: “UKIP takes all complaints and concerns seriously and fully investigates all issues brought to our attention.

“Party members living in Newport recently raised some concerns with the party through our internal procedures and the party acted swiftly in ordering an investigation into these matters.

“When the full facts become known we will release a full statement on our website.”