European elections 2009: BNP in line for £4 million cash boost in Euro success
The British National Party is in line for a £4 million cash boost as its European election breakthrough was widely condemned as a “shaming” for Britain.The far right group won its first two seats in the European Parliament as the Labour vote collapsed, sending shock waves through Westminster and the country. Leader Nick Griffin, one of the successful MEPs, said it meant a “huge change in British politics”. Critics lined up to condemn the result.
Mr Griffin and his new MEP colleague, Andrew Brons, will now be able to take advantage of EU expenses and allowances worth up to £395,000 a year each over their five year term. Mr Griffin and Mr Brons will each have access to an annual salary of £80,443, an annual staff budget of £190,000, phone and postal allowances of £45,000 a year and a daily attendance allowance worth up to £80,000 a year, with no receipts required. In comparison, in 2007, the BNP raised just £500,000 and in the first five months of this year are said to have raised £650,000.
