The fascist BNP fielded only two candidates in Nottinghamshire for yesterday's local elections. Simon 'Bob' Brindley and Bob Coyne stood in Bilborough in Nottingham and only achieved a measly 3.5% of the vote. The party failed to get it together to field any candidates in former strongholds such as Ashfield and Broxtowe.

However, over the border in Leicestershire the party gained a councillor - Cathy Duffy (East Goscote, Charnwood, by only 4 votes) although they lost two from North West Leicestershire. To the west, the BNP polled over 10% in a number of wards in Derby and Bolsover although, of course, this is well below what they need to win.

The party is in collapse nationally, losing most of its councillors and many former BNP members have jumped ship. Financial scandals, in-fighting and a dictatorial leader who refuses to give up the reins have all but finished the party. Nick Griffin is making a Hitler-style last stand in his bunker but he knows his game is up.