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A former Hillingdon Labour councillor who was expelled from the party for allegedly using a Facebook account under an alias has joined the Green Party to become its first councillor in the borough.
Cllr Naser Abby, who represents Yiewsley, was suspended by Labour in October, for what he said at the time was over "illegitimate" claims he was working with Reform UK. Despite having been described by the Green Party as a defection, Cllr Abby had subsequently been expelled from Labour and sat as an independent at the time he joined the Greens.
When announcing his move, Cllr Abby claimed the Labour Party had become one overshadowed by scandal and arrogance. He added: "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. 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.
"If those in power forget their purpose, then it falls to the people to remind them. When communities unite, look after one another and demand better, no spin or bluster can silence them. The future belongs to those who stand together and put people first. That's why I chose to stand with the many, not the privileged few."
Cllr Stuart Mathers, Leader of Hillingdon Labour Group, hit back against the statement made by Cllr Abby. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "We refute the statement made by Cllr Naser Abby.
"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.
"Hillingdon Labour have also lodged a standards complaint with Hillingdon Council against Cllr Abby for [allegedly] misleading residents with the use of this fake account and are still awaiting the outcome. Hillingdon Green Party do not seem to be vetting their candidates or upholding any standard for local government office."
The LDRS put these allegations to Cllr Abby, however he did not respond.
The LDRS understands that prior to joining the Green Party, Cllr Abby had approached the Hayes Independent Party, fronted by former Hillingdon Labour Leader, Cllr Peter Curling, with a view to joining them - however, nothing materialised from this approach.
The LDRS also put this to Cllr Abby but received no reply.
A Hillingdon Green Party spokesperson said: "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."
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