EALING'S first UKIP councillor has been found guilty of writing a blog that opponents say 'smeared' people in Southall.

The standards committee met on Wednesday evening and upheld the complaint made by Lib Dem Cllr Gary Malcolm about Cllr Benjamin Dennehy.

Cllr Dennehy posted a blog post on March 13 2012 over the “beds in sheds” issue in Southall.
For its perceived offensive nature, he was expelled from the Conservative Party.

Cllr Malcolm said: “I am glad the committee came to the viewpoint that Cllr Dennehy was guilty.

“To smear Indians and residents of Southall with such accusations is totally wrong. He has embarrassed himself and Ealing.”

In May 2012, the full council had already voted to condemn Cllr Dennehy’s blog post and demand an apology, to which he refused.

Cllr Dennehy has criticised Cllr Malcolm for his follow-up complaint, insisting: “It is pure vanity and cheap politicking on the Lib Dems' part.

“I have refused to attend the hearing. I don’t believe in kangaroo courts.”

The investigation has cost Ealing Council approx £5,000 in legal advice and officer time.

Cllr Malcolm suggests that Cllr Dennehy pay this back or make a donation to an Ealing charity.

Cllr Dennehy said, instead, he was going to invoice the Lib Dems on behalf of all taxpayers as the complaint could have been dropped a year ago.

He said: “I’m intrigued to see the punishment they ascribe after this ludicrous, politically-motivated trial is concluded.”

Asked if he would resign, Cllr Dennehy replied: “Fat chance.”