LANCASHIRE could become the North West headquarters of the British National Party if Nick Griffin is elected at next month’s European elections.

Mr Griffin, the BNP’s leader, is standing for a North West seat at the elections, and has confirmed it is “quite likely” they would open an office somewhere “between Colne and Preston”, if elected.

More than 90 candidates, representing 12 political parties and an Independent, are set to stand for the eight North West MEP seats.

Over five million people will be eligible to go to the polls on Thursday June 4, to choose the region’s representatives in Europe.

Mr Griffin said: “It would be wrong to second guess the electorate, but we would probably be looking at two offices.

“One is likely to be in the major conurbations of Manchester or Liverpool and the other in the central belt, somewhere between Colne and Preston is quite likely.”

As well as the BNP, candidates representing the Christian party, the Conservatives, English Democrats, Jury Team, Liberal Democrats, No2EU: Yes to Democracy, Pro Democracy, Socialist Labour party, the Green party, Labour and the United Kingdom Independence party are standing for elections.

Chris Davies MEP, who represents the Liberal Democrats, is standing again next month.

He said: “This year’s list is thick with Eurosceptic candidates and we are proud to represent a pro-European party, we think it is positive for the UK to be in the European Union.

“It is important people use their vote as it is people who vote who make the difference.

“If you don’t make the effort to vote for someone who you think reflects you then you will almost certainly end up with someone who doesn’t reflect you.

“The BNP stood five years ago and there was lots of talk of them winning seats but they didn’t get anything.

“UKIP ended up with 12 seats but look at the sorry mess they have become.”