A FORMER British National Party Bromyard councillor has been forced to abandon his by-election campaign following a new legal precedent.

Three Court of Appeal judges in London yesterday ruled John Haycock could not stand under the Countryside Alliance's name in the town council by-election.

The pressure group had sought an injunction against him, fearing his far-right beliefs would tarnish it.

A previous attempt to win an injunction failed because of legal precedent, but the Court of Appeal overturned it.

It has left Mr Haycock - also standing as an Independent General Election candidate in Leominster - with a £2,000 legal bill to foot.

But the 61-year-old, who was removed from the council in January for non-attendance, was today defiant.

"I am not very happy with the Countryside Alliance," he said. "I have the support of local people - all the trouble is coming from their men in the South."

"I have campaigned for countryside issues, I have been on marches and signed petitions."

Mr Haycock said he still supported the BNP manifesto, which includes a call for the repatriation of immigrants and their descendants.

"I am still a right-winger. I have not altered one bit in that respect," he added.

Countryside Alliance chief executive Richard Burge said the group was delighted.

"It is extremely important that the electorate should be told truthfully and clearly what prospective candidates stand for and who they represent."