According to The Times in 1975 when Griffin was 16 he knocked on the door of Webster's flat, virtually moving in with him and beginning a two year affair that lasted until he went to Cambridge. Griffin was a lonely youth, bullied at school where his nickname was 'Nick the prick' (both wonderful alliteration and spot on), always close to his parents Griffin became involved in national-socialist politics through them.
It is however doubtful that the conservatively minded Griffins knew about their son's blossoming romance with Webster. At the time the 16 year old Griffin's relationship with the 32 year old Webster was illegal (the UK's age of consent was equalised in 2000 at 16, in 1975-77 it was 21). Ironically the BNP has campaigned against homosexuals and specifically against the equalisation of the age of consent. Its almost as if Griffin has something to prove...
We can of course add to the mix the tales which circulate about Nick Griffin's relationships with his own male subordinates-especially the younger ones. It is also important to bear in mind that other prominent BNP figures like Richard Barnbroke and Martin Reynolds have been involved in various homosexual, activities (and there just the ones that have been filmed). Now, if most people were bi or homosexual I for one would have no problem with it. However, the BNP are the cheerleaders for that part of British society that is stuck in the Post-War era. They hate diversity of all kinds, and like all bullies pick on people for what they can't help and what no one else finds a problem. I think that it is quite frankly sickening that a man who's lover would have been prosecuted for their relationship could go against a law that would recognise such relationships as fine. The BNP is home to many homosexuals-so it surprises me that the party is as blatantly homophobic as it is.
Reliability
I am inclined to believe this story, however, its reliability can be disputed. Obviously the affair was secret so only two people know how true the story is. Webster and Griffin. Nick Griffin denies that the story is true, calling Mr. Webster 'a sad old queen'. However, he does admit to having 'spent the night' at Webster's home.
Webster for his part is very keen to tell his story, this keenness combined with the fact that he was expelled from the Griffin controlled 'Political Soldier' wing of the National Front in 1983, does potentially count against him. Webster has since been shut out of mainstream far-right politics-in part because of his openness about his sexuality.
Yet, I think that Webster's expulsion from the party by Griffin does count in his story's favor. I am not altogether familiar with the machinations of the far-right, however, Griffin is a man of few scruples, and I judge him fully capable of ditching a skilled and popular activist like Webster (who once polled 12% at West Bromwich in the February 1974 General Election-a record result for the NF), just because he was worried that the secret of his little affair would get out.
...Yet another example of how lacking in principle Nick Griffin is.
