The British National Party has won another local council seat, taking their national total to 18.

Nicholas Geri won a place on Thurrock council in Essex, on a 22 per cent turnout. "We bring common sense," he said. "Things have gone the wrong way and the way that people don't want them to go, that is why they voted for us.

"Asylum problems, NHS problems, crime and the causes of crime."

Labour now has an overall majority of 21on the council.

Activists from all sides of the political debate united to condemn the victory.

"We will now redouble our efforts in this community and work on behalf of local people to prove the value of a hard-working Labour team and we will work hard to expose the BNP for what they really are," said Alan Olive, regional director of the Eastern regional Labour Party.

"Nasty, extremist and racist, the BNP got in narrowly on the back of empty promises, low turnout and bogus respectability.

"The truth is they have absolutely nothing to offer and will let local people down."

Shadow local government secretary Eric Pickles echoed Olive's comments.

"As a former councillor and council leader myself, I am saddened and angry that they have won a seat in Essex," he said.

"The BNP contribute nothing to society nor do they attempt to bring answers to the issues facing our local communities.

"The reality is, they are the problem and not the solution."

Earnshaw Palmer is the only Liberal Democrat councillor in Thurrock, and one of only three black representatives.

"This is a sad day for democracy and a sad day for the people of Thurrock," he said. "It is a wake-up call to the voters and the major political parties."

"It is not a national mood swing it is an aberration," he added.

"It is what happens when the silent majority stay at home. There is no radical problem in this area and the BNP have nothing to offer the people of Thurrock."