Former Tory representative changes allegiance

Hanger Hill Councillor, Benjamin Dennehy, who was expelled from the Conservative party for controversial comments made on his personal blog about Southall has defected to UKIP.

Mr Dennehy got into trouble with the Conservatives who said his opinions did not reflect the party and had besmirched and dishonoured a community.

He was first suspended and then lost the Conservative whip but continued to sit as an Independent in the Council.

Now the 36 year old businessman, originally from New Zealand, has switched to UKIP.

He said: “I was expelled for bringing up immigration in my borough during Mayoral elections. It was simply an issue they did not want highlighted in a close fought election.

“I chose to join UKIP as it's a party that is representative of a cross section of society, open to all that value the right to be self-governing and free.

''The issues that UKIP campaign hard on are issues ordinary voters are seriously concerned about. It’s not just the EU and our relationship with it, but HS2, immigration, crime and the benefits culture.''

To the Ealing residents who voted him in as a Conservative he adds:

'' "I know I was elected as a Conservative. It was never my intention to be expelled, in fact, the idea that a Tory can't talk about the negative impacts of immigration still bemuses myself and many others.

'' The Tory party has let me down and all those that voted Conservative down. I will of course represent any and all residents, regardless of their political leanings. I believe Ukip is the party of choice for many now."

13th February 2013