Tories say remarks made on his blog do not represent the party
An Ealing councillor who caused a storm after making 'offensive' comments on his personal blog about Southall, has been officially expelled from the Conservative party.
Benjamin Dennehy sparked outrage when he wrote that the number of illegal immigrants in Southall was a 'constant on the public purse' and that criminality was ‘endemic’ in the area.
Ealing Council's board of standards received a complaint about the blog and the Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Gary Malcolm, wrote to the Prime Minister urging Councillor Dennehy be expelled.
A statement issued by Ealing Central and Acton Conservative Association Cllr John Cowing, Association Chairman, stated:
“Cllr Benjamin Dennehy’s comments on his blog in March were his personal opinions, and do not represent the views of the Conservative Party.
''He generalised a problem by besmirching and dishonouring a whole community, which is wrong. The Conservative Party consists of members from many different backgrounds and cultures, and we come together to share common principles and values.
''Ealing is a diverse and multicultural borough and the local Conservative Party is committed to representing all communities within Ealing.”
Cllr Dennehy remains a Councillor, but sits as an independent and not as a Conservative.
He commented, "I was expelled for bringing the party into disrepute. Basically they believe I caused them embarrassment during the Mayoral elections. My blog was read by and approved by the local Conservative Group Leader, Cllr David Millican. It was Boris Johnson's election team that kicked up a fuss. Had I not blogged this message during the election none of this would have happen. Boris has done nothing for the destitute in Southall and I was not meant to point that out. I'm the fall guy for weak leadership by Cllr Millican. He should have told Boris where to go."
May 20, 2012