Ukip are an 'evil force', claims John McDonnell as race for Oldham tightens
SHADOW chancellor John McDonnell has told Labour activists that Ukip is an ‘evil force’ in British politics.
John McDonnell has accused Ukip of being 'evil'
Mr McDonnell - who attracted controversy when he quoted from Chairman Mao’s Little Red Book in the House of Commons last week - said the Eurosceptic Party had ‘some of the crudest policies that you can imagine’.
The Oldham West byelection takes place this week
We cannot allow what I think is an evil force within our society
Speaking at a meeting of the far-left Momentum group, he said: “We cannot allow what I think is an evil force within our society – that divides society often on the basis of race, often on the basis on some of the crudest policies that you can imagine any political party advocating.
“We cannot allow them to get any from of toehold within our political system and that’s why it’s about defeating them but more importantly, defeating them — a clear contrast in terms of a sincere, local committed socialist candidate.”
Michael Meacher's death triggered the Oldham West by election
Mr McDonnell’s comments come as the battle in the Oldham West & Royton by-election heats up.
Although Labour’s Michael Meacher held the seat with a majority of nearly 15,000 in May, there are fears that Labour’s majority could be cut massively in this week’s poll, held after Mr Meacher died last month.
Oldham by-election, December 2015- UKIP v. Labour
Sources in the constituency say Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s far-left views have caused issues on doorsteps.
Mr McDonnell - a key Corbyn ally - has said the result will be a ’narrow’ one.
Ukip's John Bickley is taking on Labour's Jim McMahon
Labour’s Jim McMahon is a best priced 4/11 to hold the seat, while Ukip’s John Bickley is 5/2 to become his party’s fourth MP ever.
Ukip leader Nigel Farage slammed Mr McDonnell’s comments, accusing Labour of ‘chasing a sectarian vote’.
He added: “John McDonnell is the true face of today’s Labour — someone who jokes about a man who killed 45 million, a man who supported the IRA has the sheer brass neck to criticise others. Economically illiterate we knew, now we can add moral illiteracy to his charge sheet.
“The people of Oldham from all communities, and all decent political persuasions have the opportunity on Thursday to reject his politics of division and hate by voting for John Bickle.”