BNP councillor Chris Kirby has been sacked from his job as a taxi driver as a result of his political beliefs.

Metro Keighley boss Stuart Hastings this week admitted firing Cllr Kirby because the firm "doesn't get involved in religion or politics".

His decision came after Cllr Kirby featured in the BBC investigation into the BNP, The Secret Agent, and was subsequently arrested.

Cllr Kirby, 35, who represents Worth Valley Ward, was shown on TV at a meeting where BNP activists planned an arson attack on a van.

Mr Hastings told the Keighley News that Cllr Kirby was asked to leave because of the bad publicity following the TV programme.

"We don't want to be involved in any political parties, anybody, or any bad publicity that could reflect on us."

Cllr Kirby's dismissal letter from Mr Hastings stated that he had incurred adverse publicity which had a negative effect on Metro Keighley's business.

"They've kicked me out because I'm a councillor," said Cllr Kirby.

"He got three other drivers in and told them the same thing -- they're activists for the party.

"He said if they do any work for the BNP they'll be sacked."

Cllr Kirby insisted he and his BNP colleagues kept politics and work separate. "I don't bring it to work -- at the end of the day I've got customers to take."

Cllr Kirby claimed Mr Hastings told him that the NHS had phoned up and pressured the firm to sack him.

Mr Hastings said the allegation was "absolutely untrue", and that no organisation had threatened to withdraw its contract if Cllr Kirby continued working.

He added: "We're a small firm in a small town. We've got to look after our staff and customers."

A spokeswoman for Airedale NHS Trust yesterday denied threatening to withdraw its contract unless Metro Keighley dismissed Cllr Kirby.

She added: "Our contract tendering process is a thorough and fair one which seeks to achieve best value for money for the trust as it provides public services."