Tooting: Wandsworth Labour dismiss councillor's bullying claims as 'wholly untrue' and 'hurtful'

Wandsworth Labour has dismissed the claims of a councillor who recently left the party over alleged bullying.

Hannah Stanislaus, now an independent councillor in the Bedford ward, announced that they were leaving the party on Monday.

They said that they could not continue in a party that "promotes bullying" and also accused Leonie Cooper, the leader of Wandsworth Labour, of bullying them in one tweet.

Leonie Cooper and Wandsworth Labour have now responded by denying the claim of bullying and even describing them as "hurtful".

Cooper, who is a councillor in the Furzedown ward, told Nub News: "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."

What Stanislaus has said

As previously reported by Nub News , Stanislaus submitted their resignation for the Labour party, referencing how there was a "personal attack" on them 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)."

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