Well, for many people Nick Griffin was the BNP, and his personal - and his party's - fortunes appeared intertwined.
He was its leader for 15 controversial years, in which he saw off criminal charges of racial hatred, and, for a moment, looked like he was on the verge of a breakthrough for a far-right leader.
There was the prospect of becoming a British Jean-Marie Le Pen.
In 2009 he and his then colleague Andrew Brons were elected to the European Parliament on an anti-immigration platform.
I was in Manchester Town Hall when the result of his election as an MEP for North West England was declared - he was surrounded by a large entourage which proceeded triumphantly through the building as he was being criticised from the podium by the other parties' candidates - including UKIP.
He later blamed that party for contributing to the BNP's electoral decline when it transpired that 2009 wasn't a turning point, but the high point, in his party's fortunes.
2014 hasn't been a good year for Nick Griffin.
He lost his seat in the European Parliament, was declared bankrupt, replaced as party leader and has now been expelled from the party.
He says he will not '"resort to the BBC gutter" to air his grievances - the members will sort it all out, he says.
But a political comeback looks like a very tall order.

West Australian fire authorities said it is too late for some residents in Waroona area who have not yet evacuated to leave.
They said the "out-of-control and unpredictable" blaze was burning  along the South Western Highway.
Strong winds overnight fanned the flames which reportedly started in the Lane Poole Reserve on Wednesday.
Waroona resident Melissa Young told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. she left her home when she saw the glow of the fire.
"The glow is scary enough... and the ash is coming into the backyards and into the fences, and the smoke's getting really thick so it was just time to get out," she said.

The unfancied Blues were galvanised from the outset, and took the lead after 12 minutes when Elliott Durrell netted with a stunning volley from 25 yards.
John Still's men were still reeling when Theo Vassell slid a superb ball through to Tom Shaw, and the midfielder bided his time before smashing past Elliot Justham.
Liam Roberts did his bit in the Chester goal, parrying a firm Oli Hawkins header.
After the break, an inspired Chester pushed on and Johnny Hunt whipped in a cross for James Alabi to head in and crown a fine night.
Report supplied by the Press Association.
Match ends, Chester FC 3, Dagenham and Redbridge 0.
Second Half ends, Chester FC 3, Dagenham and Redbridge 0.
Substitution, Chester FC. Matty Waters replaces James Alabi.
Substitution, Dagenham and Redbridge. Paul Benson replaces Oliver Hawkins.
Substitution, Chester FC. Craig Mahon replaces Evan Horwood.
Substitution, Chester FC. Jordan Chapell replaces Elliott Durrell.
Substitution, Dagenham and Redbridge. Christian Assombalonga replaces Luke Guttridge.
Goal!  Chester FC 3, Dagenham and Redbridge 0. James Alabi (Chester FC).
Luke Guttridge (Dagenham and Redbridge) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
Evan Horwood (Chester FC) is shown the yellow card.
Second Half begins Chester FC 2, Dagenham and Redbridge 0.
First Half ends, Chester FC 2, Dagenham and Redbridge 0.
Goal!  Chester FC 2, Dagenham and Redbridge 0. Tom Shaw (Chester FC).
Goal!  Chester FC 1, Dagenham and Redbridge 0. Elliott Durrell (Chester FC).
First Half begins.
Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Why the fuss over the internal machinations of a party which has no MPs, no MEPs - and which polls suggest commands the support of about one per cent of voters?
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Lives and homes are under threat from a fast-moving bushfire sparked by lightning south of Perth.
[NEXT_CONCEPT]
Chester stunned Dagenham & Redbridge with a comprehensive 3-0 win home win the National League.