Muslim Conservative candidate quits after 'plotting fake anti-mosque protest with far-right'

A Conservative candidate in Britain’s upcoming general election has resigned after he was recorded allegedly plotting with far-right activists to announce a fake protest march against a mosque, so that he could take credit for talking them out of the demonstration.

Afzal Amin, who is a Muslim former army officer, quit on Monday “with immediate effect” to avoid a disciplinary hearing by the party.

Grant Shapps, the Tory chairman, welcomed the decision by Amin, who said earlier in the day that he was planning to mount a “robust defence” after claiming he was the victim of a sting operation by the English Defence League.

A Conservative party disciplinary hearing, which was due to hear from Amin today, will not take place. Tory sources had said that evidence against Amin was so overwhelming that he would be removed as the party candidate in Dudley North in days.

The Mail on Sunday reported that Amin discussed with the EDL a plan to march against a planned mosque in the constituency that would then be called off.

Amin was recorded saying that he would take the credit for persuading the EDL to call off the march. He also pledged to act as the group’s “unshakeable ally” in parliament if they were able to help him, bringing them into “the mainstream” of politics.

A Conservative spokesman said on Monday: “Afzal Amin is resigning as Conservative candidate for Dudley North with immediate effect. Conservative chairman Grant Shapps has welcomed Mr Amin’s decision and thanked him for his work in the past.”