Hillingdon Councillor Defects to Greens Following Labour Expulsion Over Fake Facebook Account
Councillor Naser Abby, who represents Yiewsley on Hillingdon Council, has officially joined the Green Party after being expelled from the Labour Party. This move marks a significant shift in local politics, as Abby becomes the first Green councillor in the borough, following allegations of misconduct involving a fake Facebook profile.
Background of the Expulsion and Political Shift
In October, Cllr Abby was suspended by the Labour Party over claims that he was collaborating with Reform UK, which he initially dismissed as "illegitimate." However, the situation escalated when he was expelled from Labour for allegedly operating a Facebook account under the alias 'Gingon Turfi' to support Reform UK while serving as a Labour councillor. Despite the Green Party framing his move as a defection, Abby had already been expelled and was sitting as an independent at the time of his switch.
Upon announcing his transition to the Greens, Cllr Abby criticized the Labour Party, stating that it has strayed from its core principles. He emphasized, "The Labour Party has drifted a long way from its foundations. The principles it once stood for, solidarity, fairness and integrity, now seem overshadowed by division, distraction, scandal and arrogance." He further argued that the party's focus on internal conflicts has eroded public trust, adding, "When a party is more concerned with internal battles than serving the public, it inevitably loses the confidence of the people. And once trust is broken, it's over."
Reactions from Labour and Green Parties
Cllr Stuart Mathers, Leader of the Hillingdon Labour Group, strongly refuted Abby's statements and provided clarity on the expulsion. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, "For clarity, Cllr Naser Abby was expelled from the Labour Party for using a fake Facebook account 'Gingon Turfi', to support another political party, Reform, whilst being a Labour councillor." Mathers also revealed that Hillingdon Labour has lodged a standards complaint with Hillingdon Council against Abby for allegedly misleading residents with the fake account, and they are awaiting the outcome. He criticized the Green Party, saying, "Hillingdon Green Party do not seem to be vetting their candidates or upholding any standard for local government office."
In contrast, a spokesperson for the Hillingdon Green Party welcomed Abby, stating, "We welcome Naser as the first Green Councillor in Hillingdon and look forward to campaigning with him to win more seats as the Green message of hope and unity is spreading." This endorsement highlights the party's strategy to expand its influence in the area.
Additional Political Maneuvers and Unanswered Allegations
Prior to joining the Greens, it is understood that Cllr Abby approached the Hayes Independent Party, led by former Hillingdon Labour Leader Cllr Peter Curling, with intentions to join them. However, this approach did not materialize into a formal alliance. The Local Democracy Reporting Service attempted to contact Cllr Abby for comments on these allegations and the prior approach, but he did not respond, leaving questions unanswered about his political motivations and actions.
This development occurs as the Green Party prepares for upcoming elections in Hillingdon in May, with Abby now positioned as a key figure in their campaign efforts. The situation underscores ongoing tensions within local politics and raises concerns about candidate vetting processes and ethical standards in public office.
