British National Party leader Nick Griffin has hinted that he may contest the Oldham East and Saddleworth constituency in a by-election next year.

The seat is up for grabs because Phil Woolas’ victory last May has been voided after he was found guilty of lying about his Liberal Democrat rival’s views on extremism.

Mr Griffin, currently an MEP for the far-right party, wrote on his Twitter page: "Our local organiser well up for it with me as candidate."
He also described Mr Woolas, an immigration minister under the last government, as a “Labour liar”.

Mr Woolas, who beat Liberal Democrat candidate Elwyn Watkins by 103 votes, has been stripped of his seat and barred from standing for public office.

Mr Griffin also contested a seat in May, but was heavily defeated in his bid to snatch Barking from long-time Labour MP Margaret Hodge.