A FORMER Bromsgrove UKIP candidate has blamed a media smear campaign for costing him his political career.
Mark Walker, 46, who was shortlisted to stand in the town in May’s general election, liked and shared a link to an article on Facebook which was deemed racist.
It referred to interracial marriages as ‘a plague’ and suggested racism was not wrong.
Defending himself on Facebook, Mr Walker admitted to reposting the piece, telling his friends to ‘share far and wide’ before liking his own status.
But, he said he only did it because he found the two-year-old article disturbing and wanted to boost the awareness of the issues covered in it.
He added he did not condone it nor did he promote it in support, or agree with the racist references.
On his Facebook profile Mr Walker also claimed he received a personal apology from the original author of the article, not apologising for its content but because by ‘sharing the truth’ he had lost his UKIP career.
In one post, he said: “I believe no one is more superior than another and in the freedom of speech and the dissemination of information and open sharing.
“I stand by that particular post, as posted with the intention it was meant – to make others aware of the plan.
“I truly feel it is important for individuals to be made aware of such plans because these are not talked about in mainstream media.”
James Carver, West Midland’s MEP for UKIP, said: “UKIP is a non-racist, non-sectarian party and all candidates and members are expected to uphold these values.
“Mark Walker will not be selected as we believe his comments show he is unsuitable.”
