Ashfield MP Lee Anderson has denied claims he supports far-right groups. It comes after photos were published online of the Tory MP and members of the Skegby Scooter Club.
Mr Anderson, who was promoted to the deputy chairman role of the Conservative Party earlier this month, was pictured giving out trophies at the club's annual awards. One of the members of the scooter club admitted to being a member of the British National Party (BNP) 25 years ago.
Another was pictured wearing a 90's punk band t-shirt that supports white supremacy. Mr Anderson has now spoken out and insisted he does "not support any far-right groups".
Read more: Man linked to Ashfield MP Lee Anderson denies 'white-supremacist' allegations
Mr Anderson said: "I have met Skegby Scooter Club on three occasions. First, when they helped me to raise £4,000 for a disabled pensioner in Ashfield who needed his rat-infested flat fumigating and new furniture installed. Second, they helped me raise £1,200 to send a young local man to Italy to compete in the European MMA Finals. Thirdly, I was invited by the club to present trophies at their yearly event.
"On all three occasions I had pictures taken with dozens of people. Funnily enough, I did not ask each and every person if they had far-right connections, I just had pictures taken at the events. I will not insult people by asking about their past before I take photos at charity events.
"I do not support any far-right groups and I deplore all types of racism, including white supremacy. The depths that some people will go to in order to besmirch my family name is unbelievable."
Martin Dudley, also known as Martin Fluke who was at the awards, has previously spoken to Nottinghamshire Live about being photographed with the MP. Mr Dudley was wearing a yellow and black Fred Perry polo shirt - discontinued by the brand after it became associated with the far-right group the Proud Boys in America.
Mr Dudley's name and details also feature on the BNP membership list on the Wikileaks website. He confirmed to Nottinghamshire Live that he was a member for one year "about 25 years ago".
Mr Dudley also went on to explain the relationship between him and Mr Anderson. He said that their connection is based on "charity work" for the Skegby Scooter Club, which is a club for Vespa and Lambretta enthusiasts based in Skegby, Nottinghamshire.
He added: "My connection with my MP is charity work. I know him, he is my MP and lives in Ashfield area where I live. The last time I saw him was in August."
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