BNP leader Nick Griffin has been denied entry to a Buckingham Palace garden party over claims he “overtly” used his invitation for political purposes.

A spokesman said his behaviour had “increased the security threat and the potential discomfort” to other guests.

But Mr Griffin, who had been invited to the event along with all the UK’s Euro MPs, told BBC News the ban was an “absolute scandal”.

The anti-immigration party’s other MEP, Andrew Brons, is attending the party.

Before the ban was imposed Mr Griffin, an MEP for North West England, described the Buckingham Palace invitation on the BNP website as a “highly symbolic breakthrough” for the party and e-mailed supporters asking for questions they would like him to ask the Queen.