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Stephen Yaxley-Lennon has announced he is standing to be an MEP in the forthcoming EU elections.

The far-right extremist, who calls himself Tommy Robinson, launched his website today, the final day of nominations to stand in the Europe-wide poll.

Despite his role as an advisor to Ukip leader Gerard Batten, he's still barred from joining the party, and will stand in the North West region as an independent.

In a message on the website, he took a swipe at Nigel Farage, calling him "just another millionaire stockbroker who looks down at the working classes".

He said he would fight against the "Islamification of Britain" and complained that the "elites have tried to silence my own voice" by jailing him for Contempt of Court and having his Facebook page removed.

(Image: PA)

Nick Lowles, chief executive of HOPE not hate, said: “Stephen Lennon is a far-right thug who uses his platform to bully, abuse and stir up division, monetising his hatred to rake in donations from his fans. He has a long record of abuse towards minorities such as Muslims and wherever he goes trouble has followed.

“Standing in this election is just another way for Lennon to line his pockets, at the expense of democracy and voters.

“In these Euro elections, the fewer people who vote, the easier it is for extremists to win a seat, so if you’ve ever been appalled or angered by Stephen Lennon’s constant diet of fake news, hatred and abuse towards others, then you need to ensure you, your friends, family and community turn up and vote on 23rd May. The North West needs a voice of hope, not hatred.”

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(Image: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX)

Laura Parker, Momentum's National Coordinator, said: "Let's look at Tommy Robinson's record. He called British Muslims enemy combatants, accusing them of raping their way through Britain and branding the refugee crisis "an invasion by military age Muslim men".

"He threatened critical journalists outside their own homes. He sent messages to the far right terrorist Darren Osbourne just weeks before he drove a van into worshippers outside Finsbury Park Mosque.

"This man is a far right, racist thug. It would be a travesty if he were to represent us in Europe, and Momentum will continue to campaign against his vile, hate filled politics."

Matthew McGregor, campaigns director at HOPE not hate, added: “The lower the turnout, the higher the chance Stephen Lennon can sneak into an MEP spot through the backdoor.

"That’s why we’re going to launch a massive campaign to encourage people to register to vote before 7th May, and to cast their vote in this election. Every vote for a non-extremist of whatever stripe makes it harder for the extremists to get in.

“This is the first time Stephen Lennon has stood for election, so we are launching a major effort to make sure voters know who he is, starting with TommyRobinsonFacts.com, and including community campaigning across the region.”