Tooting: Bedford councillor says they want to 'put residents first' after leaving Labour

A Bedford ward councillor who recently resigned from the Labour party has spoken more on their decision.

Speaking to Local Democracy Reporter James Mayer, Stanislaus has accused the party of being "so interested in their friends being selected" and has reiterated how they want "residents to be put first".

Wandsworth Labour leader Leonie Cooper has strongly denied Stanislaus' claims and has called them "hurtful".

The councillor told Tooting Nub News on Monday that they could no longer be part of a party that "promotes bullying" shortly after they announced their resignation from Labour.

Cllr Hannah Stanislaus was elected in May as a councillor for the Bedford ward in Wandsworth but said they will now serve as an independent after they faced a "personal attack" in a 67-page Whip's report.

The Bedford ward councillor told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I was elected to help people. I was homeless four years ago with my 11 month old child, being a black gender fluid lesbian, being a single mum and having mental health issues which have never been a secret.

"I'm the most diverse, the most real life councillor and I've been bullied out the Labour Party because they don't do what they're supposed to so I've had to go independent."

"I just want things to progress for the residents of Wandsworth. I want residents to be put first.

"The whole personal attack of the Whip's report doesn't mention anything to do with my work as a councillor.

"The problem with Wandsworth Labour Party is that they are so interested in their friends being selected for next year.

"Because of Leonie Cooper's selfish dominance, I had to resign on Monday (August 23)."

In May 2021, Cllr Stanislaus won their Bedford ward seat in a by-election with 2,714 votes.

The by-election was held following the resignation of former councillor and Putney MP Fleur Anderson.

Leonie Cooper response

Leonie Cooper, councillor for Furzedown, has vehemently denied the claims made by Stanislaus about the party.

The councillor also explained that she has not been able to respond to the claims as she had been away after Tooting Nub News asked for a comment on Monday afternoon.

She said: "These allegations are wholly untrue. Wandsworth Labour does not operate in this way, or treat one another like this. To suggest otherwise is extremely hurtful."

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