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Nick GriffinBritish politician
Date of Birth: 01.03.1959
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Nick Griffin: A Controversial Far-Right Politician
- University Years and Ascent in the National Front
- Founding of Nationalism Today and BNP Leadership
- Loss of Eye and Financial Troubles
- Holocaust Denial and Hate Speech Conviction
- Electoral Gains and Image Shift
- Parliamentary and European Elections
- Criminal Charges and Acquittal
- Personal Life
Nick Griffin: A Controversial Far-Right Politician
Early Life and Political LeaningsNick Griffin, a British politician and former leader of the British National Party (BNP), was born into a politically conservative family. At the age of 15, his father, Edgar Griffin, introduced him to the far-right British National Front (BNF).
University Years and Ascent in the National Front
In 1977, Griffin enrolled at the University of Cambridge to study history and law. During his studies, he rapidly rose through the ranks of the BNF, establishing a university branch. Griffin's political views were influenced by the Italian neo-fascist Roberto Fiore, who advocated for a "Third Position" that opposed both communism and capitalism.
Founding of Nationalism Today and BNP Leadership
In 1980, Griffin co-founded the publication Nationalism Today and became its first editor. Three years later, he played a key role in the ousting of BNF leader Martin Webster. Throughout the 1980s, Griffin led the organization of neo-nazi skinhead concerts in Suffolk. In 1989, following internal conflicts within the BNF, Griffin and his supporters split to form their own organization.
Loss of Eye and Financial Troubles
In 1990, Griffin lost his left eye to an accidental gun detonation. A year later, he suffered significant financial losses due to a failed business venture. Griffin withdrew from politics until 1995 when he was invited to join the BNP by then-leader John Tyndall.
Holocaust Denial and Hate Speech Conviction
As editor of The Rune, Griffin vehemently denied the Holocaust. He criticized revisionist historian David Irving when he acknowledged that some Jews may have died during the event. In 1998, Griffin was convicted of distributing racially inflammatory material and sentenced to nine months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined £2,300. The trial raised his profile within the BNP, leading to his election as leader in 1999.
Electoral Gains and Image Shift
After becoming leader, Griffin focused on leading the BNP into parliament. To achieve this, he shifted the party's image away from skinhead support and overt racism toward more moderate ideas such as "protecting the British way of life." The BNP also incorporated environmental and animal rights into its platform.
Parliamentary and European Elections
Griffin ran in parliamentary by-elections in 2000 and 2001, securing fourth place both times. In the 2005 general election, the BNP won its highest vote share, despite Griffin's own fourth-place finish. In 2009, under Griffin's leadership, the BNP secured two seats in the European Parliament.
Criminal Charges and Acquittal
In 2004, a BBC documentary presented secretly recorded footage of Griffin's speeches, leading to criminal charges for inciting racial hatred. He was arrested and initially convicted, but the verdict was later overturned on appeal in 2006.
Personal Life
Griffin is married with four children. His wife, Jackie, and eldest daughter, Jennifer, are actively involved in the BNP.
