BNP press officer jokes that bankrupt Nick Griffin is doing better than seriously injured F1 champion Michael Schumacher

 

A press officer for the British National Party has joked that bankrupt party leader Nick Griffin would be the envy of racing driver Michael Schumacher - because he is not in a coma.

Simon Darby's comment to a Huffington Post UK reporter was made after Griffin announced he would continue as an MEP and run for re-election in May despite filing for bankruptcy.

Mr Darby reportedly said: "Look at it this way. Michael Schumacher has millions in the bank, but he'd do anything to be in Nick's position now wouldn't he."

Seven-time Formula One champion Schumacher is still fighting for his life after a serious skiing accident in France.

A listing at the Insolvency Service showed Mr Griffin was declared bankrupt at Welshpool and Newtown County Court yesterday.

Coma: Michael Schumacher (Picture: PA)
PA

Bankruptcy will inevitably cast further doubts on the suitability of him being a lawmaker in the European Parliament.

But Mr Griffin tweeted: “Being bankrupt does not prevent me being or standing as an MEP. It does free me from financial worries. A good day!

“Party funds are not affected in any way.”

Mr Griffin, who was elected an MEP for the North West region of England in 2009, will be automatically discharged from bankruptcy in one year, on January 2 2015, in accordance with the Insolvency Act.

Bankruptcy in itself does not bar someone from being a member of the European Parliament or standing for election, according to the Electoral Commission.

Restrictions are only triggered if an individual is made subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order or debt relief restrictions order.

The Insolvency Service said such orders had not been made in Mr Griffin’s case.

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