Tory suspended for defending Enoch Powell

Published on 23/06/2008 22:42

A CONSERVATIVE candidate was suspended yesterday after defending Enoch Powell and praising Ian Smith, the former prime minister of Rhodesia.

The move followed comments attributed to Philip Lardner in a Sunday newspaper.

He said Mr Powell's warnings about immigration had "in a small way come true".

Mr Lardner, Tory candidate for the Westminster constituency of North Ayrshire and Arran, also described Mr Smith, who was prime minister of Rhodesia – now Zimbabwe – during white minority rule as "a British hero who came from the Empire and fought for his country". He added: "I am confident Ian Smith was a good man."

The Conservatives confirmed Mr Lardner has been suspended as a candidate pending an investigation into the comments.

Labour called on David Cameron, the Tory leader, to "publicly disown" the remarks and remove Mr Lardner as a candidate.

In a letter to Mr Cameron, Ann Kechin, a Labour MP, said: "I am unclear why you need to review his comments. They are clear, on the record, unacceptable and inflammatory."