A CONTROVERSIAL BNP election candidate who posed as a soldier at a rally is being investigated by police.

Adam Walker, who is standing in Bishop Auckland, sparked outrage by wearing desert fatigues while campaigning alongside the far right party’s leader Nick Griffin.

Police were alerted when a member of the public made a complaint and they have confirmed they are investigating.

At the rally in Barking, Essex, on April 11, Mr Walker, who was a member of the Royal Armoured Corps from 1985 to 1990, told people he was wearing the uniform to show solidarity with British soldiers in Afghanistan.

Yesterday he said the fatigues were commonly worn clothing that could have been picked up at any Army surplus store.

But Ministry of Defence rules say soldiers, whether they have left the Army or still serving, are not allowed to wear their uniform to support political activities because it could undermine the impartiality of the Armed Forces.

The ABF soldiers’ charity said the BNP should know better – while soldiers and other people posting online forum messages condemned Mr Walker’s actions and called for him to be prosecuted.

The Metropolitan police said yesterday: “A complaint has been received. It will now be assesses to see what action, if any, is required by police.”

Mr Walker, 41, from Spennymoor, said: “I don’t see what they can do.

“It makes you wonder what action they are going to take against anybody that buys something from an Army surplus store.

“I was in a tank crew. I served five years. I joined when I was 16 and I left when I was 21. I have the right to wear the uniform.

“I was just showing solidarity with the boys and girls who are fighting an illegal war.

“We were at a weekend of action in Barking and nobody complained at the time.”

British Legion stalwart Jeff Lodge, a former mayor of Durham, said Mr Walker had dishonoured the troops.

He said: “He should not have worn the uniform. I think he has done the service harm.

“These are brave men and women and this has done them a disservice.

“I don’t know why he was wearing fatigues. I handed my own uniform in when I left.”