Forum Topic

Congratulations to Philip Andrews and Co

ANDREWS, PHILIP  FISHER, PAUL ANTHONY HIBBS, GENEVIEVE MARY Elected to LBH for Isleworth.6 am and still waiting for the Brentford result. Looks as if the Council is heading for NOC.

Neil Chippendale ● 6956d114 Comments

The group with hubby has just arrived back from fishing in France - I understand that the tales of the catches are true, including one of the 102lb catfish.  The one which got away was double that, at least.Anyway, the reason for this posting is to say that the news of the change of the political makeup in the Borough was met with smiles.  Thats it.

Sarah Felstead ● 6946d

VanessaI quite agree and I wonder why the Labour Party candidate contrived the story in the first place. Maybe you can throw some light on it?

Gareth Evans ● 6947d

This is a very important point that all would be wise to heed. There is far too much of this sort of nonsense going on and it achieves nothing but discredit for whatever cause the person claims to represent. Dipstick is not a strong enough word to use. Phil Andrews described a particularly bad case of misuse of this forum sometime back as 'cretinous' and cretin seems to be an apt term for such people. This forum seems to be uniquely cursed with half-wits with a partisan view of politics but a complete inability to engage in robust debate in a grown up fashion. The names seem to change but I suspect and hope there are only a handful of people like this in the area. They always get found out as I think users have become attuned to the bogus posters. They seem to assume that everyone has an intelligence as low as theirs.

Dan Evans ● 6949d

I don't think you should jump to any conclusions either - no-one actually knows who this idiot was or what motivated this ridiculous post, so do not assume anything or make any unfair, and as far as I can see unfounded, insinuations.

Vanessa Smith ● 6949d

Pathethic doesnt deserve anymore comment goodbye

Graeme Perkins ● 6949d

Ooooh err!Why was my remark about the NF disgusting? I would quite agree that it would be disgusting if you were in the NF but I only asked how you know so much about petrol bombs.You don't seem to have grasped the apparently very simple point I was making that whoever started this fire probably intended it to spread and was thwarted because the explosion woke somebody up. For you to say that this incident should be dismissed because the fire wasn't big enough compared to your own experience is sick.

Mark Evans ● 6949d

I find your remark re the nf absoloutly disgusting you dont know at all so how can you say thisas to your comments re the fire get real unlike people picture dont lie so get a life get real and get out of here

Graeme Perkins ● 6949d

Aren't you getting your knickers in a twist?

Conal Stewart ● 6949d

Its looks pretty accusatory to me.

Conal Stewart ● 6949d

seems their childish behaviour has had the opposite effect to what they wanted People here have seen through their shallow postings and we have seen all political parties here conducting themselves in a good and proper way

Graeme Perkins ● 6949d

Interesting Graeme that you have previous experience of petrol bombs. Where was that exactly? Were you in the NF as well?You may be dismissive of the handiwork of the low life who started this fire but you don't seem to understand that small fires are often started with the intention of causing big fires. That the fire didn't spread to the homes nearby was good luck rather than lack of intent on the firebombers part. Someone in the house was awoken by the sound of an explosion - if they hadn't been then it the terrible consequences if they hadn't. The fact that you think that the fire wasn't big enough means you have a deeply sick mind.

Mark Evans ● 6949d

DanI am expecting a lot of this kind of stuff at the moment because there will be those who will want to persuade potential allies on the council that the ICG should not be worked with.  Knowing how these people work this is fairly inevitable, and you will already have noted various postings on this forum from previously unheard-of users whose sole contributions are attacks and smears directed at us.  Take a brief look through recent threads and you will see precisely what I mean.However the sheer stupidity of this particular posting would suggest to me that it was the work of a freelance dipstick rather than being part of any carefully thought-out political campaign.  It's a shame it was deleted as I would like to have kept it and framed it.

Phil Andrews ● 6949d

The Nick Griffin slur was relatively clever because it obliged you to prove a negative which is often impossible. The Vanessa Smith slur was bizarre because it was inevitable that she would point out that it never actually happened. I can't understand why anyone would not realise that.

Dan Evans ● 6949d

Maybe he had been in the pub with Nick Griffin, which could explain the posting.  I don't see how this is "disprovable" as such, but I'm sure that if I had firebombed her home Vanessa might have mentioned it at the time.

Phil Andrews ● 6949d

See the post by Kevin, who saw the original post, further up this thread. The numbskull couldn't spell the name he made up and made an allegation which was easily disprovable. Not sure what his point was except to prove his IQ was in single digits. Presumably the same person who saw you in a Richmond pub with Nick Griffin.

Dan Evans ● 6949d

A posting alledged that Phil Andrews had firebombed Vanessa Smiths house in 2002 and that Vanessa would confirm this etc.The name of the poster was "Micheal Thomas sic" and looked like a load of gibberish.Well done to the moderators for removing it so quickly and I hope they have managed to log the IP address to see if it matched any regular poster on this board.For some reason,our mystery poster wished to drag Vanessa Smith into the whole sorry saga this time.

Paul Fisher ● 6949d

I can't recall any incident of this kind, and I'm sure that even with my memory I would have done.  What point was the poster making?

Phil Andrews ● 6950d

This is absolute rubbish - there was NEVER any such allegation and I resent being dragged into the fantasy  and paranoid world of others on this site. Moron is not what I would call the person who alleged this.

Vanessa Smith ● 6950d

Thanks Graeme - but I rather thought that one of the Cllrs would name it and post it, if that is okay with you.  Somebody looking into the main index of the forum will then be able to see the topic has been posted by a Cllr.

Sarah Felstead ● 6950d

sarah I have made a new thread for thistitledA day in the life of a councillorit is in the main index

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

This was posted by John Connelly on W4 - may I ask what deciding to go into opposition, means?"My current understanding is that Labour decided to go into opposition at its meeting last Friday. The Conservatives held their first meeting last night. We await their next steps with interest........"

Sarah Felstead ● 6950d

The only title I can think of is'Now I have been elected'- an insight into being a local CouncillorWould that do?Any other suggestions?If that is Okay - perhaps you would like to post it, Phil or Matt or whoever.

Sarah Felstead ● 6950d

I saw the posting. It alleged that there had been a firebombing at Vanessa Smith's house in 2002. On the surface cause for concern but a closer look showed that it was almost definitely bogus. The moron who posted it claimed to be called Micheal Thomas - note the incorrect spelling.I met with the people who run this site a couple of month's back and they told me that, despite accounting for less that 10% of the traffic they get, 80% of the messages they have to remove are posted on BrentfordTW8.com by bogus users. I feel slightly ashamed that this area is uniquely blighted with nutters and misfits who don't have the courage or maturity to converse with people in their real names.

Andy Jones ● 6950d

as sarah suggested here it ishttp://www.brentfordtw8.com/default.asp?section=community&app=forum/ShowMessage.asp?ID=187624&site=5

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

I saw it neil and was bemused confused and astonishedany comments anyone ?

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

I see the posting regards an alleged fire at Vanessa Smiths home in 2002 was removed. Did anyone apart from me see it. It was posted in the early hours of Wednesday UK time.It would have made a libel lawyer very happy.

Neil Chippendale ● 6950d

dont want to but in but how abouta day in the life of a councillor

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

An excellent idea Sarah which myself and Shirley will totally support but we both feel you as the proposer deserve to officially decide the grand title of the thread?

Paul Fisher ● 6950d

John thanks for joining this thread in is heartwarming reading your comments especially your stand about political groups working together

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

Yes I can tell you.Osterley & Spring Grove,Barbara Reid, Sheila O'Reilly, Peter CareyHounslow South,Lin Davies, Pam Fisher, Brad Fisher.All live in their wards.Barbara and Peter have been councillors for many years, Pam was elected in 2002. Sheila was elected at a by election in 2005. Lin and Brad are the 'new boys' on the block, however, I am sure that it will not be long before they make there presence felt.Like the ICG, Conservative councillors wish to make this a better borough in which to live and bring up children. I am sure that with co-operation between all groups we will see major improvements in the coming years. Thank goodness that the electorate have at last said a very big NO to Labour.

John Davies ● 6950d

In my view the difference is that the Icg people live here and ARE PROUD TO everyone within reason knows them they are approachable and will listen and where possible deal with an issue on your behalf they attend where possible all community meetings and have achieved a lot despite obstuctionsas for the rest ( and that means cons libs labs etc )well who are they where are they and what do they do ?I dont know does any else one know ?

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

I think that you have hit the nail on the head, Graeme - many people are interested but can't get their heads around such a strange world which is so detached from reality - and to which normal people are not welcomed unless they stick to party lines.The suggestion that elected Councillors would stumble and refuse to work with other elected colleagues rather than evaluate an issue first, is outrageous.I was talking to a friend in Isleworth today - the whole family voted ICG and Lib Dem.  Locally these ‘groups’ are perhaps perceived as being capable of making a difference to the Borough and will use their positions considerately to make some changes that people feel more of a part of.  The first difference being - that they are perceived as being capable of making some changes?  People voting for them did not consider that they were ‘wasting’ a vote.The last elective ‘group’ certainly appeared to have lost the plot so no wonder they lost the election, too.…  …  IMHO  …

Sarah Felstead ● 6950d

Perhaps we could call it the Brady bumpkins forum lol

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

Look forward to reading it - you have to decide on a name for the thread now - Matt? Andrew? Ruth? Barbara? Sheila? Paul? Shirley? Caroline? anyone?Regards

Sarah Felstead ● 6950d

SarahI would like to join in with this if I may because although it is my third term of office I feel very much like I have become a "proper" councillor for the first time.  With the new make-up of the council there will hopefully be opportunities for me to do constructive things which I could not have even attempted previously.I am blessed to have five colleagues working alongside me who are capable and willing, and who I'm certain will give a very good account of themselves over the next four years.Regardless of political differences I also have a great deal of respect for Matt, and I hope he will be given the freedom to exercise sufficient independence of judgement to enable him to work to his full potential for the people of Brentford.These are interesting times indeed.

Phil Andrews ● 6950d

Blimey Dan you certainy know your legal stuffAm impressed

Graeme Perkins ● 6950d

I do, believe it or not, have some sympathy for you. Your case has a particularly irony given the historic support for the Blackshirts by Associated Newspapers.

Dan Evans ● 6950d

"You probably would consider taking her to court for 'malicious falsehood' rather than libel as you did with the previous leaflet." The problem with this is that they deny knowledge of their leaflets, or claim to have distributed them without knowing what was written on them.  Absurd though such a claim is, they get away with it because the onus is on us to prove otherwise.  They used this blatantly dishonest tactic in the last case and knowing the people concerned there is not a shred of doubt in my mind that they would do so again without a moment's hesitation.As with the previous case, the purpose of any action would not be "revenge" but to clear our names.  If there is an easier way of doing this than by issuing writs for libel then we would of course consider it.The Standard is a different matter, the newspaper has behaved perniciously and it would be nice to send a message to gutter journalists and their editors that they cannot expect to get away with such deplorable behaviour.  Bringing these people to book has far more appeal to me than hounding a few failed politicians who were probably acting under the notoriously bad advice of their campaigns team anyway.

Phil Andrews ● 6950d

"in the meantime to hear Dan's take on this particular point as he has taken such an interest in this whole incident."Firstly, I am not qualified to give you advice but I'm glad you value my opinion.I think Mike is right. As I understand the law of libel you would have a very good case as it was a grossly unfair piece of journalism. In your position I would write to the Standard and ask for a printed apology. I don't think it is even necessary to take legal advice on this unless they refuse to print a retraction. It is less clear cut whether you could take action over the leaflet in my view. Even if the republication of the article was viewed as a libel, you aren't likely to get much in the way of damages as your victory in the election suggests it did you little harm. All that taking action against Ms Sampson over this would achieve would be to make you look vindictive. As you have made carefully phrased insinuations against her it would also make you look a bit of a hypocrite.You probably would consider taking her to court for 'malicious falsehood' rather than libel as you did with the previous leaflet. Raising someone's criminal record in an unfair attempt to damage their reputation is libellous but is it malicious falsehood? I don't know the answer to this but if it isn't then your only avenue is the prohibitively expensive libel courts with a case that you may win but would offer little prospect of covering your costs.

Dan Evans ● 6950d

Mike - I am glad you agree that the Standard article was libellous, which of course makes Ms. Sampson's leaflet libellous too as there is no defence under defamation law for reproducing or repeating a libel.  I intend to take legal advice on this when I have the time, but would be interested in the meantime to hear Dan's take on this particular point as he has taken such an interest in this whole incident.Graeme - the Chronicle was contacted about the "firebomb" as soon as it happened.  Fortunately the newspaper realised the implications of any suggestions of a politically-motivated attack (which, as I have pointed out to the apparent annoyance of some, is only one of several possible scenarios) and left the story alone, at least for last week's issue.  I will always be grateful to the Chronicle for the responsible attitude which it took over this matter.

Phil Andrews ● 6950d

Why should we believe a moron who can't even spell his own name? It's Michael not Micheal. If you are going to make accusations against people that are this serious have the courage to do so honestly.

Andy Jones ● 6951d

... would one of you new Councillors be prepared to start a thread for you new representatives to talk about settling in as a Councillor and the things you learn about which would be of interest to forum followers, in an interested non contentional (I live in hope!) way?

Sarah Felstead ● 6951d

We went up to the Civic Centre yesterday to sign the code of conduct form which was countersigned by the Chief Executive which made us offical Cllrs followed by a photo shoot for the website which I am sure was a real challange for the photographer to get my best side!An induction course is due this Saturday for a few hours and also on Monday,Tuesday and Thursday evenings next week.Very exciting and it has still not sunk in yet if I`m honest and strange being addressed at the Fortress as Cllr Fisher.As Matt says,a lot of us are new to this game but we are all looking forward to and relishing the challange.

Paul Fisher ● 6951d

Courses, Satrah, plenty of courses. And we've all had our photos taken so we can learn each others' names, which should come in useful. Regardless of party or grouping I think we're all looking forward to getting some practical knowledge under our belts - helped, of course, by other members who've been ar it for a while.

Matt Harmer ● 6951d

:-)Bet you really enjoyed the meeting tonight, Paul!***************************How do they settle you into the Fortress, sorry, Civic centre to you, in your new position.  I will start again.How do they settle you into the Civic centre and your new duties, Paul?  Do you all go on one of those bonding courses in Welsh Wales?  Do you have to walk on stepping stones of HM magazine - or is there a red carpet in the basement?  (Will there be a discussion about changing the colour of the red carpet?)

Sarah Felstead ● 6951d

I attended a local residents meeting this evening of which myself and Ms Sampson are both longtime committee members and although we did not speak directly as such or exchange greetings I am glad to say their was no hostility from either side.There are ways warring groups can work together and I sincerely hope this can improve in time.

Paul Fisher ● 6951d

Very gracious of you Graeme. Thank you.

Dan Evans ● 6951d

corrected again seems its not my dayapologies dan for the idiot remark uncalled for i think you will agreegraeme

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

Graeme, as you now have conceded what I have said was accurate would you like to withdraw the accusation that I am an idiot who doesn't check his facts? Apology would be nice as well but I won't hold my breath.

Dan Evans ● 6951d

sorry jim re last thread should have been mike

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

I stand corrected JimTo clear things this is my opinionthe fire was nothing but a common or garden bin fire either accidental or deliberateat best any articles in the press for such an incident should be in the local press and not the national pressIt seems to me that certain unethical persons used the event to try to gain sympathy and discredit others and i am curious whether  the standard was not the only paper that was approachedcertainy the police fire and other bodies would not have approached the press with thisyour opinions please

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

WilliamPlease calm down..and don't get too excited!I have explained what I have explained...and intend not to expand further..for the present time..as I am not the most academically qualified to eloquently make my opinion and case histories clear to you.I fear that whatever I say in reply..will be an elongated pain for you.  It seems ..by the way..that the Cash Cow has been deleted from the Chiswick Forum..and so one must respect the wishes of the Editor.You haven't answered my question about the Community Group's popularity.

Jim Lawes ● 6951d

Graeme, if you are saying that it was never your intention to imply that this fire was an 'inside job' then fair enough but I find this difficult to credit on rereading your posts. You should try and express yourself more clearly when discussing such a sensitive subject.

Mike Hardacre ● 6951d

my reference to contrived means the press attention was contrived and nothing else

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

So you mean that in your opinion Asians are more likely to be corrupt than white people then? What is this based on other than your own subjective opinion? Facts please, not more rumours and whispers. So no, I was not misquouting you - its not the first time you have made such remarks is it.

William E Hughes ● 6951d

Graeme, Dan never said you accused Sue Sampson of being responsible for setting fire to her own house he said that you implied it. He is correct in this as it is impossible to interpret one of your posts in any other way. You wrote, "seems the press and a local labour mp arrived at the scene before the police my impession is that this was contrived."You may not be aware that there is a difference between implication and accusation but this is no excuse for your abusive response. I posted earlier this week that tiredness may provide an explanation for some of the very badly judged posts that have appeared on this thread. As the baseless insinuations continue this can no longer be seen as a mitigating factor. Anger at the content of the Evening Standard article is understandable. I would hope that Phil Andrews does secure a retraction from the paper. The mentioning of his criminal record in the context of another crime is clearly libellous and I am surprised a retraction hasn't appeared already. None of this provides any excuse whatsoever for the insinuations against Sue Sampson that have been made.The original purpose of this thread was to congratulate Phil and his colleagues for what is undoubtedly a tremendous success. The next step should be that ICG councillors play a part in running the Council. I am sure meetings are going on as we speak in the 'smoke-filled rooms' that were discussed in another thread and the patent idiocy of some of the posts made here are bound to be brought up. I am astonished that at such a critical time such a poor impression is being given.

Mike Hardacre ● 6951d

You say ""It may well have escaped your attention that the article was published in the Evening Standard, no friend of the Labour party. I would also point out that the group that have made the most consistent inferences and links are the ICG - why should this be I wonder?""ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooSomebody would presumably have provided the ES with the news story(Reuters?!/Police? Fire Service..or whoever)..and then perhaps a news reporter was assigned to gleen some of that additional text from someone local? Perhaps..I don't know.  The Labour Party presumable chose not to miss an opportunity to gain from the unfortunate incident..reported in the Evening Standard..and managed very quickly it seems to produce that newsletter  Do not more column inches relate to the fire and Cllr Andrews...instead of perhaps the CV and suitability of the Labour Party candidates to look after local interests?I re-iterate that the incident was most unfortunate..and there's nothing as scary as fire. But put yourself in the Community Groups shoes...wouldn't you be aware of the inferences? A question for you is why have the majority people in the Isleworth Ward..chosen to vote for the Community Group..instead of the local Labour Party?  And over lots of  years too. Think of all the literature that the local Labour Party produces..whether factually correct or incorrect..or indeed biased...and what success have they had in Isleworth North and Isleworth South?    The number of Labour Party Councillors in Isleworth is now NIL....just like the whole of the Borough of Richmond on Thames was/is!oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooWith regard to your reference to "offensive remarks made by  you about different ethnic minorities" on the Chiswick Forum..you are misquoting me.  I was referring to "some Asian Business Practices" which I have gleened from livingin Hounslow,Heston and Osterley during past 30 years..and intermingling with them in the field of employment, business,immigration,planning regulation,food hygiene,local government..and many more areas of life.  I have friends and acquaintances amongst them all.  I suggest you read my message today on the W4 forum..under the Cash Cow topic. This matter is unrelated to the Community Group..a group of whom I am not a member but a supporter in its task of keeping the Isleworth South seats.  Let the Community Group bask in this thread as it deserves. Don't pollute it with unrelated and incorrect inferences.

Jim Lawes ● 6951d

Can you confirm that you got permission from the Evening Standard to copy this article and use it on a political leaflet?

Andrew Sibley ● 6951d

And as for you "Dan Evans" I never made such an accusation so get your facts rightIDIOT

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

Just read jim lawes contribution thankyou jim for posting the leafletlooking at the picture we see a small fire in a dustbin I have seen what damage can be caused by a petrol bomb and this in now way any where near the result of onepETROL BOMB mY A**E. Who ever thought this one up should go back  to kindergarten where they can be with their equals.AND as to the content of the leaflet what planet are these idiots on. Politics this is not it is more like school yard antics

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

Thank you for your contribution. It may well have escaped your attention that the article was published in the Evening Standard, no friend of the Labour party. I would also point out that the group that have made the most consistent inferences and links are the ICG - why should this be I wonder?I also note from another forum that you have been called to account about offensive remarks you have made about different ethnic minorities. Perhaps this has some bearing on your position?

William E Hughes ● 6951d

My sympathies to Ms Sampson and her family and her neighbours for the trauma that the incident caused. They will have been in shock.    My sympathies also to the Community Group membership and supporters who have suffered in a different way as a result of this incident. They might have been sickened by any infererences..and it will have spoiled their celebrations.The style of this Labour Party newsletter,however,..issued at such a crucial time...reminds me of the clumsy journalism circulated at the Osterley Ward by-election last year...and we should be concerned that the failed and rejected Labour Candidate at the Brentford Ward count has already reported on this Forum that "they will be back". He should be reminded that the electorate have said "No thank you..and we don't want you scuppering the NEW ERA".The Isleworth and Brentford Area Committee will have a new look...6 ICG, 3 Conservative, 2 Labour, 1Lib Dem...and hopefully it will work well.

Jim Lawes ● 6951d

PaulI imagine that the usual suspects will be on here very shortly to point out that the leaflet doesn't actually accuse anybody and was simply published to inform rather than to attempt to gain political advantage from the incident.I will not comment on any such remarks but will leave anybody who is impartial to read the leaflet, and the newspaper article which it reproduces, and to judge for themselves.

Phil Andrews ● 6951d

This leaflet was distributed to my neighbours in Isleworth which I found very disturbing and true gutter politics seeing as I was standing as a candidate for the ICG.

Paul Fisher ● 6951d

Phil Andrews ● 6951d

Yes She did there were plenty of Witnesses..

Simon Anderson ● 6951d

Apologies, please bear with me.

Phil Andrews ● 6951d

Phil Andrews ● 6951d

Phil Andrews ● 6951d

Of course not. Just another example of ICG "we are always victims" paranoia. It suits their agenda.

William E Hughes ● 6951d

Did she really acuse Phil Andrews in front of people?

Conal Stewart ● 6951d

I would go with the police on this as their opinion is certain to be accurate

Graeme Perkins ● 6951d

I am confused now firstly the Labour Party stated it was her flat that was fire Bombed and the paper and Police stated it was a wheelie Bin next to her flat can someone com firm to me which one is true.I have to say no 1 should go threw this what Miss Sampson went threw but as to Phil not being accused of it is totally incorrect.Whilst in the que at the Civic Centre Thursday Night Miss Sampson laid into Phil in front of everyone and accused him.Someone mentioned kids running amock causing trouble, My neighbour 3wks ago had his window open in the evening and someone placed a lit cigarette in his window on the window sill they did not realise till they closed there windows it was lucky it didn't burn the flat down maybe there is a Fire Bug going around.I really hope the Police catch who did this terrible crime to Mrs Sampson so we can put an end to all this.

Simon Anderson ● 6951d

As far as I am aware,the Police are investigating all possibilitys so I am just keeping an open mind.I dont think I have ever stated that she set fire to her bin herself but I am sure this is one avenue the Police will explore during their enquiries.Can I clearly state though that if anyone is convicted of this crime then I hope the full force of the law is used against them.

Paul Fisher ● 6951d

Implying that Sue Sampson was in some way involved in setting fire to her own flat something you, Phil Andrews, Andrew Sibley and our new friend Graeme Perkins have done.

Dan Evans ● 6951d

Sorry Dan but I am a little confused with your question.Are you saying this is something I have done or the ICG in general or both?

Paul Fisher ● 6951d

Paul, see front page of the Brentford Chiswick and Isleworth Times - current edition. I totally agree implying that someone is guilty of a crime when there is no evidence to suggest they are is totally wrong. Do you not recognise it is hypocritical to condemn your opponents for doing this when you have been doing exactly the same thing?

Dan Evans ● 6951d

I personally think its a good idea Dan that "Phil doesn't have total control of all the members of his group" and also glad that we do not have a whip.Thank you for bringing this newspaper article to our attention and I would be very interested to know which publication you are referring to.The saddest part for me in this whole sorry episode was the Labour Party exploiting the incident in leaflets they distributed to target addresses on polling day by naming Phil Andrews and the ICG next to a photo of Ms Sampson and her fire damage.This was clearly used as an attempt to imply we were involved in someway and I am very glad to say it backfired on them at the polls.

Paul Fisher ● 6952d

Whilst we've seen on this forum that sometimes Phil doesn't have total control of all the members of his group there is nothing to suggest that any of them would be capable of a crime like this. All those who are willing to make accusations and counter accusations about this should buy a copy of this week's newspaper. Next to the item about the incident is another one which describes how youths were running amok at night in the Isleworth area at the same time. I know lots of people would dearly wish that their political opponent was responsible for the fire but the chances are it was some youth who has no idea who Phil Andrews and Sue Sampson are.

Dan Evans ● 6952d

Change the record mate!!

Paul Fisher ● 6952d

What exactly are you expecting Sue Sampson to say Graeme other than she was awoken in the middle of the night by the fire? The desperation that you show to try and deflect the blame over this almost suggests a guilty conscience. Nobody has actually said Phil Andrews was responsible. I don't think anybody really believes this either as it would have been a daft thing for him todo. It may be that some deranged individual thought he was doing a good turn by doing this but I'm sure he would never have sanctioned it.The police should be allowed to get on with their enquiries. There is a lot of CCTV in the area and the people who investigate fires are expert in getting evidence. There is a very good chance that someone will be charged shortly.

Nicola Brown ● 6952d

Why on earth should she? It is you and your cronies making the sly underhand insinuations, a characteristic of all your members.

William E Hughes ● 6952d

I would welcome some input from sue as i believe everyone should be heard her account of events after all is important

Graeme Perkins ● 6952d

Graeme, the fact is that we will probably never know who was responsible for the fire in Mrs. Samson's bin, just like I never found out who was responsible for the armed robery involving my wife at our shop. What I fail to understand is the fact that some people are still convinced that this incedent was politically motivated without a shred of evidence. So convinced that a political leaflet was distributed to certain housholds on the day of the elections saying that it would not stop Mrs. Samson from continuing her campaign.I don't know about you but when my wife was attacked we did not produce a leaflet and deliver it to all of our customers saying that we would not let it affect us and that we would carry on our business as usual. We just had to get on with things as do the many thousands of people that are victims of crime in this country.For those of you about to attack me for being insensitive towards Mrs. Samson may I just say that I have every sympathy for anyone who has been a victim of crime. I just don't like to see people trying to make political gain out of it. Perhaps Mrs. Samson could come onto this forum and give us her version of events and explain why she has tried to use the situation for personal gain.

Andrew Sibley ● 6952d

not at all a realistic view just asked a simple questionno harm there

Graeme Perkins ● 6952d

What a strange twisted view of the world you obviously have

Patricia Nicholas ● 6952d

well can we have the facts please ?

Graeme Perkins ● 6952d

We will be back.....

Alan Sheerins ● 6952d

Appalling and factually incorrect, a dreadful thing to accuse someone of.

Vanessa Smith ● 6953d

as a resident and bieng non political i would like to run this by you i have it on VERY good authority that re the so called arsonseems the press and a local labour mp arrived at the scene before the police my impession is that this was contrived i myself was a victim of a much more serious arson attack several years ago which was life threatining to myself and my family this can be confirmed yet no investigation or press in the standard newspaper the answer is obvious

Graeme Perkins ● 6954d

I would have posted a thread congratulating Matt, Andrew etc but when I posted this thread the Brentford result hadn't been posted on the LBH website. That was 6am UK time. Soon after the BBC posted that Hounslow had fallen to NOC.

Neil Chippendale ● 6954d

Congrats to ICG. How about the same for Brentford?

Ian Silver ● 6954d

Think what you like Alan. The fact is Cllr. Andrews' past had absolutely no bearing over the election result in Isleworth and was not even an issue in Syon where Labour lost all three seats to the ICG with a huge majority. When will you people realise this and come up with something a bit more original to attack your opponents with. It might be hard as I don't think the other ICG candidates have any skeletons in thier cupboards but if you know different then please feel free to tell us.

Andrew Sibley ● 6954d

Andrew, there is nothing intrinsically wrong with being a side heckler. I'm one and I'm proud of it. If you aren't part of a group that is formed to run the Council then the ICG councillors will remain hecklers. I think they have been given a mandate to take part in running the borough. I'm not party to the internal discussions of the Conservatives or the Lib Dems but if any of their members was against working with you they would use the boneheaded response to the incident as a reason for shutting you out. You are just not living in the real world if you think otherwise.

Dan Evans ● 6954d

Andrew, if you believe that the Evening Standard was working for the Labour Party you are taking the ICG's collective paranoia to a new level. I suspect that Phil is still smarting though over Andrew Gilligans article of a few weeks ago that highlighted his past as a Nazi and holocaust denier.

William E Hughes ● 6954d

Dan, I think you are quite wrong when you say that the ICG's response to the alleged fire bombing incedent might scupper any chances of the bigger parties working with us. The fact of the matter is the Labour party tried to mount a last minute dirty tricks campaign in a vain attempt to win the Isleworth ward. A news paper article implying that Phil Andrews was in some way involved in the fire outside Mrs Sampsons house followed by a leaflet that was basically a photocopy of this article being distributed to certain housholds in Isleworth and the campaign team knocking on doors and telling people not to vote for the ICG because we are a bunch of fascists was still not enough to sway the electorate in Isleworth. You might have thought that they would have learned thier lesson from four years ago when an almost identical campaign resulted in the ICG picking up all three seats in Isleworth. One now suspects that the Labour campaign manager for this ward may be out of a job.As for being a bunch of side-line hecklers it is worth pointing out that the ICG has been the victim of this behaviour for many years now and we have had to sit back and take it. The minute anyone heckles a Labour candidate and it become a heinous crime. In contrast to all of Labour's dirty tricks the ICG fought a clean campaign in every ward it stood in, resisting the urge to retaliate when the going got tough and believe me we had the ammo to do so. The result of this was winning six seats on the council.

Andrew Sibley ● 6954d

This was not only an exceptionally good result for the ICG but I think it also might be a very good one for the borough too. It would be a shame that having received the endorsement of the electorate in this way if they were excluded from whatever grouping controls the Council. Although I've crossed swords with the man on a few occasions there is no doubt that Phil Andrews would make a capable senior member of a Council Administration. If whoever decides on its composition has a sense of humour they would put him in charge of housing.Unfortunately the ICG is giving other parties who might work in partnership with them a number of excuses not to ally with them. The woefully ill-advised response to the fire-bombing incident on its own might have scuppered any chances of the bigger parties working with them. If the ICG is serious about being a political force in the borough and actually achieving something for the people who elected them rather than being just a bunch of side-line hecklers they would need to convince any potential coalition partners that they are not likely to be a source of embarrassment.

Dan Evans ● 6954d

Paul,Well, you needed to have a sense of humour when the Labour lot were ruling the Borough, didn't you?  Call it gallows humour if you like, but during the wretched three and a half decades of their rule I started to understand how folk living behind the Iron Curtain developed their own very dry and cynical brand of wit.  Anyway, last night we started chiselling away at our own Berlin Wall and this weekend it is just starting to sink in that we are, at long last, free of the old guard.  Let's make sure that they are kept out of power for a very long time indeed.

Cllr. Adrian Lee ● 6955d

well done would also say mostly due to the hard work the icg members have all done congrats all

Graeme Perkins ● 6955d

Not a chance. No party will work with them.

William E Hughes ● 6955d

Yes Congrats to the Conservatives for getting control of Hounslow Homes lets hope you and the ICG Cllrs can work together in bringing back normality to the CouncilAnd lets hope that certain top Labour heads at Hounslow Homes disappear!!Well Done!!

Simon Anderson ● 6955d

John,Can I also butt in and say well done to your Party on such a memorable evening.I have always found your candidates both polite and civil and also willing to bring some friendly humour into local politics.Well done to you all and I hope your celebrations are going as well as ours?Paul

Paul Fisher ● 6955d

"Ps By the way I wont need to complain about Hounslow Homes now that Labour dont hold power over them will I???"Lol Simon,very nicely put mate.The times are a changing as somebody once sang.

Paul Fisher ● 6955d

Ps By the way I wont need to complain about Hounslow Homes now that Labour dont hold power over them will I???

Simon Anderson ● 6955d

Thanks JeanI did not say IVYTAG was the ICG i said I was Proud to be a member of the ICG that doesn't mean all the other Members on IVYTAG are members see our membership on IVYTAG is open to all residents who ever they vote not like the bunch of UN elected residents group that residents have had to put up with for years who if you don't vote 4 a well known political group you cant be a member.

Simon Anderson ● 6955d

Simon thank you for confirming that Ivytag is actually the ICG - bear that in mind next time you complain about Hounslow Homes.

William E Hughes ● 6955d

Welcome back Simon!

Jean Gilmore ● 6955d

Congratulations to all of the Candidates of the ICG it was well worth standing outside a polling station 12hrs and staying at the count till 6am for the results.A worth while result for the ICG and the Conservatives!!Congratulations to All I am so proud to be a Member of the ICG.Simon AndersonChairman of IVYTAG

Simon Anderson ● 6955d

Andy,Thank you for your comments.May I take this opportunity to thank Andy and his workers for a good clean campaign. Although, obviously, I am pleased that all Conservative Candidates were elected in Hounslow South, I would like to wish Andy good luck for any future campaign he stands in (as long as it is not against one of us).I also extend my best wishes and congratulations to the six ICG Councillors for Syon and Isleworth wards.Most importantly thank you to all those who voted for the Conservative candidates in all wards.It looks very much as if it will be an interesting four years down at the Civic Centre.John Davies

John Davies ● 6955d

An excellent result indeed. I would also like to congratulate Caroline Andrews, Shirley Fisher and Jon Hardy on winning all three seats in Syon for the ICG.I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank everyone who voted for me in Hounslow South but despite gaining 1005 votes it was not enoughg to defeat the Tories. May I also take the time to commend the way in which all of my opponents in the election conducted themselves both during the campaign and at the civic centre which turned out to be a very long night.

Andrew Sibley ● 6955d

Yes both did - see latest item on front page. No voting numbers just the result. Ruth Cadbury as well. You might not agree with their party politics but I think Brentford ward has been blessed with three high quality representatives.

Mike Hardacre ● 6956d

Well done!Anyone know if Andew Dakers and Matt Harmer made it?

Sarah Felstead ● 6956d