AN ELECTION expert predicted the rise of the extreme right would be unlikely to gain momentum in East Lancashire, despite the fact three members of the British National were voted onto Burnley Council earlier this year.

Professor David Denver opened the Conflict series of lectures at Padiham's Nazareth Unitarian Chapel in Church Street with a powerful discussion on the nature and role of conflict and consensus in modern politics.

He described the successes of the BNP in Burnley as ripples in the political pool that would almost certainly disintegrate.

Prof Denver said: "Elements of the white working class are disgruntled by what they see as a

lack of opportunities for the indigenous population."

"They are seeing the old Labour party, their party, change and so have switched their votes elsewhere.

"But because the Conservatives, the traditional right wing party, will have no truck with extremists they feel they have no option but to vote, albeit temporarily, for a relatively new party -- in this case the BNP."

Prof Denver, of the University of Central Lancashire, said it was unlikely to continue.

He went on: "Extreme parties of all kinds have never succeeded to any great degree in this country because we are a tolerant nation and we seek consensus in our politics. This has run throughout our history."

But, according to the BNP's organiser for East Lancashire, Simon Bennett, those comments are wide of the mark.

Mr Bennett said: "That is wishful thinking on his part. Ten thousand people who voted for us in Burnley are not a flash in the pan and people are now turning to nationalism for answers.

"The election next May will determine whether we are a flash in the pan or not."

The lecture series continues throughout October with nationally respected academics speaking on related topics.

On Wednesday, October 16, Dr Feargal Cochrane will discuss the dynamics of conflict in Northern Ireland with Dr Ute Buhler speaking on October 23 and, closing the series on October 30, Dr Mark Levine.

Tickets are priced £4 and places can be booked by calling Tony Cann CBE, who has organised the series, on 01254 298502 or 01200 441278.