Nigel Hastilow (born 1956) is a British journalist and former political candidate. He has worked for a number of national newspapers, including The Times, The Daily Telegraph and the Daily Express, and has held positions as a political correspondent and columnist.
Early life and education
Details of Hastilow’s early life, including his place of birth and education, are not widely documented in publicly available encyclopedic sources.
Journalism career
Hastilow’s journalistic work has spanned several decades, during which he has contributed political commentary and analysis to major UK newspapers. His reporting has covered domestic politics, public policy and electoral affairs. He has also served as a political editor for certain publications, though the specific titles and dates of these appointments vary among sources.
Political involvement
In the lead‑up to the 2010 United Kingdom general election, Hastilow was selected as the Conservative Party’s parliamentary candidate for a constituency. He withdrew from the candidacy after a column he authored linked a recent murder of a white van driver to immigration, prompting criticism and the Conservative Party’s request that he stand down.
Following this episode, Hastilow joined the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP). He subsequently stood as a UKIP candidate in later elections, though he has not been elected to public office.
Controversies
The most notable controversy involving Hastilow arose from the aforementioned newspaper column on immigration and crime. The piece was widely reported in the media and resulted in his resignation as a Conservative candidate. The incident generated debate over media responsibility and the politicisation of crime.
Later activities
After his involvement with UKIP, Hastilow continued to write occasional opinion pieces and commentaries for various outlets. He has also participated in public discussions on immigration policy and British politics.
References
- Entries on Nigel Hastilow in reputable news archives (e.g., BBC News, The Guardian).
- Public records of parliamentary candidate selections for the 2010 general election.
Note: While basic biographical and career information about Nigel Hastilow is documented in reliable sources, certain details such as precise dates of employment and comprehensive personal background are limited.
