Forum Topic

Nasty behaviour

I'm (still) a Genuine floating and undecided voter.But two incidents today in our patch really disturb me.Firstly the chap who crossed the road to accost Cllr Dan Crawford, who was out canvassing adorned with his red rosette. He said "Of course you're supporting Labour, you're an f***Ing spastic"Dan ploughed on - but that's wholly unacceptable.And then there's the heavy wrapping Himself around Rupa Huqa, and physically restraint her as she talked to Boris (in the seat she's contesting, Our seat,) she's contesting. Did you see the picture? It was on Newsnight and All over social media. Apparently he was at the CCA hustings on Wednesday. If I was Angie Bray, I'd ensure an Apology in double quick time. It's not OK to do that to a rather slight person just because you can.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d76 Comments

When you say "no pretences" do you mean other than his promise, when running for mayor, that no LU ticket offices would be closed, "not a one"?  Or his reaction to the first stirrings of the phone-hacking scandal, dismissing it as "piffle!" and a "Labour smear"?Charming he may be: from his record, he's certainly charmed quite a few women...but not Rupa Huq.

Adam Kimmel ● 4142d

This is a detail that was irrelevant to the point I was making Jan :pBut do keep reminding me, I am human and not always 100% right ;)

Julian Smith ● 4145d

There you go Julian. It's all in the detail.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4145d

Fair enough - bankers are a sub-set of the very rich ;)

Julian Smith ● 4145d

Julian, to be fair, the recession was worldwide and caused by banks, not by the "very rich".  However, you are right in saying ordinary people have paid the price.  Trying to pin the blame for the recession on any political party is wrong, but the UK was coming out of recession at the time of the last election.

Anne Brown ● 4145d

Certainly we have our "moment alone" in the voting booth to make a final choice. I would rather have a better choice than Labour, but that is not the Tories... You say they have done a good job, but it is the super rich who have benefitted. Whatever you think of Russell Brand that is the point he is making. Ordinary people did not cause the recession - the very rich did. Ordinary people have paid the price - the very rich have not. In anyone's world that must be unfair. Choice is yours - wake up and make a wise one

Julian Smith ● 4145d

Russell Brand, lol, what a joke, as I've said I'm not a Tory but I feel compelled to vote for the first time Tory or rather Angie Bray who as far as I can see has been an excellent hard working local MP. Also I'm really disturbed how in years of plenty our then government (Labour) didn't build up our reserves for the tough times ahead, they really believed that boom and bust had ended. When the Coalition was elected it was widely said that they would have to weather a very tough political storm in sorting out the public finances and on the whole I think they've done quite a good job, not outstanding, but better than I expected. I really suspect that in the privacy of the voting booth many undeciders will choose Conservative. And it seems on this occassion I will be too.

Gary Sinclair ● 4145d

Anu Khela unpleasant tweet:

Julian Smith ● 4145d

What details? Because according to the Tories on Twitter these seem to change every few hours?Have you watched Russell Brand's film The Emperor's New Clothes yet Jan? You should...

Julian Smith ● 4145d

Thank you for your kind words. Always check the details Julian. I've said that to you before.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4145d

I don't care for the justifications anymore Jan. I think you are a lovely person, but you are deluded supporting these Tories. They don't care about you. They only care about themselves. Look at how they handled this. Look at inequality. It affects all of us. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Julian Smith ● 4145d

Thank heavens for your voice of Sanity Gary. If you would all stop gossiping and go and talk to people who witnessed the incident. You will realise how right Gary is.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4145d

OK - this is getting silly (and maybe still a bit nasty?)Having gone through plans A to D - the Tories have a new plan. Plan E is to blame Rupa Huq for being physically accosted by a man. It was all in fact a "stunt" somehow manufactured by Labour. But - wait a second! Doesn 't that make the assailant - since sacked - a stooge? Shouldnt he now be re-instated?This is idiotic. Angie did the right thing and apologised straight away. By this afternoon it looked like it was dying. But now, out of nowhere, having already apologised, they have come up with a new tactic of blaming the victim. Whatever the circumstances - Rupa sholdnt have been manhandled. My guess is that Angie is hopping mad (And right to be)

Richard Grange ● 4146d

I don't see why anyone would fall out over this.  I would like to see an end to this thread as I see it as a tool for political gain and I'm questioning that.  If Rupa thinks it deserves pursuing, I would have thought she would get legal with it, so if she's not, surely it's dead.

Angela White ● 4146d

Only linked because they both happened in our constituency on the same day and I heard about them within hours of each other. So, in that way, they are linked and therefore interesting.But I wholly agree, Phil, the abuse of Dan really foul.

Sara Nathan ● 4146d

Have you read the twitter referred to Angela?Let's not fall out over this - but the views espoused therein could hardly be called wise...The reality is that those involved should have intervened at the time. And even before that should have followed the maxim "choose your friends wisely"I will leave it up to the readership to decide who to choose as political friends

Julian Smith ● 4146d

Isn't that a sign of a wiseman, not rushing in to action something, but sitting on it, thinking about it, then doing he right thing?  Sounds wise to me.

Angela White ● 4146d

Do the local police follow this forum?What is being done about this incident?

Julian Smith ● 4146d

To my mind the incident on the Boris walkabout - on a public street - demonstrates clearly what is wrong with this society. Celebrities, and their retinues seem to think that they are above the law. That they are entitled to push those with differing opinions away - not to have to even consider them "who are you" sums it up. I want a different society

Julian Smith ● 4146d

It's also about how one side chose to take a stance of denial and obfuscation initially, did not apologise for 24 hours, and then had to back down in the light of public outrage and incontrovertible evidence...

Julian Smith ● 4146d

The incident that Dan Crawford reported was sickening and in a totally different league to the Huq/Boris spat. It is rare to come across any unpleasantness when canvassing and to hear Dan's report was shocking indeed.  The Huq/Boris thing involved Huq trying to interfere with Boris' walkabout and the situation being very badly handled.  Sara Nathan does herself no credit whatsoever trying to link these events.  She is a clever woman and didn't do this by accident.  Poor show.

Phil Taylor ● 4146d

Interestingly - its beginning to play in Bangladesi media.Do Bangladeshis hold the balance in any UK marginals?The point about this story - is it is all about how people choose to interpret the event. And that is what both sides are figting over.

Richard Grange ● 4146d

Well worth having a read of @angelneptustar timeline on twitter Startling display of arrogance in my opinion. And the comments change over time - first denying that Angie Bray was there, then saying she could not see, then saying Boris was not aware, and so on.I thought this topic should die, but now I am not so sure...Karim Sacoor was not the only person heckling in a thuggish way at the CCA hustings - there was another man with a moustache a few seats across from him behaving in a similar manner. And I'm sure the manhandling and utter disrespect shown to Rupa by a Tory councillor hitting her in the face with a leaflet whilst grinning is just the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately this time it was caught on camera allowing is all to make up our own minds. Interestingly @angelneptustar blocked me on twitter even though I had never had any contact with her... But there are ways around such actions and I have now read all of her posts. Makes one sad to be British

Julian Smith ● 4146d

1. Angie has apologised 2. She sacked the offender 3. Rupa Huq turned up at the Boris event ready to harangue  him and presumably Angie i.e cause a confrontation in a silly student union type political stunt. It was wrong to man handle her and now and her desperate supporters seek to milk it for all it's worth and by all accounts earlier on this campaign it was Rupa Huq who was being personal about Angie.

Gary Sinclair ● 4146d

You mean @angelneptustar don't you Sara?

Julian Smith ● 4146d

Back on topic.One of Boris Johnson's team @neptustar, makes two odd claims on Twitter.1. TWO people have been sacked 2. The police are investigating.I wonder if either is true.

Sara Nathan ● 4146d

Also not really relevant to the thread, but apparently Ed spoke at a rally today and said that you should vote for people not politicians (or something similar - don't jump down my throat for slight misquote!)So the way forward is clear - vote Notley! ;)

Julian Smith ● 4146d

When he can allow for the man to hold Rupa Huq I wonder what he would to do to any women who stands up to him whether in or not in a taxi ;-)) he still has not apologised to Rupa Huq! It is horrible to see a mayor of London allowing for such bad behaviour it's atrocious! !  Why has he not apologised for his appalling behaviour towards Rupa yet?  Yes defo agree don't get too close with him as next time he might have more stooges more nastier!! 😡😡😡

Sheela Selvajothy ● 4146d

Oh dear!We've been discussing Overt unpleasant activity in our streets, in our constituency.I'm not sure any of us quite know the complexities what went on Chez Miliband... And equally am not sure what the relevance is to this thread anyhow.Not that any of the party leaders appeal much... Also not really relevant to this thread.

Sara Nathan ● 4146d

Is 'stabbing your own brother in the back' a form of 'nasty behaviour?'

Peter Savick ● 4146d

I suspect he is not safe in a taxi either Angela, so I would not get too close.......

Iain Muir ● 4146d

Actually, I've met him in the line of my work and he was utterly charming and normal, no pretences.  I don't like his London Plan though and I wish I could meet him again to tell him so!

Angela White ● 4146d

Angie Bray did not apologise until Sara Nathan tweeted her about this appalling behaviour. Indeed she clearly found it highly amusing at the time judging by the grin on her face in the film. Personally I found Boris' "who are YOU anyway?" to Rupa Huq equally offensive. What an arrogant man.

Anne Brown ● 4146d

But it did take 24 hours - wasn't immediate - quicker would have helped I think.My final though was that it was a great potential front of Private Eye pic - only because Boris is so well known. Some of the Twitter captions have been a hoot.Anyhow, probably mostly over now.

Sara Nathan ● 4146d

People have tried that, I think.  Angie Bray has apologised and sacked the man concerned.  This story hasn't got any legs now.

Angela White ● 4146d

Maybe this incident, and it's resulting publicity can sway the vote in this constituency!?

Lisa Shackleton ● 4147d

This is a rolling stone gathering mosshttp://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/generalelection/labour-candidate-manhandled-by-tory-activist-as-she-questions-boris-johnson-on-the-campaign-trail-10222221.html

Richard Grange ● 4147d

I'm not surprised others have picked this up.It's just a bad, bad photo. Every time there is an article about the Conservatives having problems with female voters - there you go - up it will pop.I actually think Angie handled it quite well in issuing a statement apologising immediately. Its not her fault. But the damage has been done.

Richard Grange ● 4147d

The incident has made it on to Metro's website - http://metro.co.uk/2015/05/03/labour-candidate-attacked-by-tory-activist-as-she-tries-to-talk-to-boris-johnson-5179037/?ito=facebook

Lisa Shackleton ● 4147d

Happy to move on...

Sara Nathan ● 4147d

Hear hear

Julian Smith ● 4147d

Are we still campaigning?  If so, perhaps start another thread, other than the Nasty Behaviour thread, for which Angie has apologised?  And no, I haven't completely made my mind up, as you know Sara, so not protecting Angie, more that Angie has apologised, we can't be responsible for everyone around us, she sacked the lout and we should move on.  If Labour (Rupa) is going to win, she should do so on her own merits, not the default of some lout.  :-)

Angela White ● 4147d

At the hustings, there was a cheery moment, in response to question about candidates' funding, when Angie Bray mentioned she had been given FIVE thousand pounds by a mate who runs a hedge-fund.Consensus in the room seemed to be score-draw on that one...apart from the Greens: smugly on the high ground with money raised by crowd-funding.As Yehudi Menuhin used to say "All money is dirty money"

Sara Nathan ● 4147d

I'm with you Gary. I applaud Angie Bray. As for Ms £1000 Huq!

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4147d

Good on Angie! Rupa Huq still hasn't apologised for taking  Blairs bloody money though...

Gary Sinclair ● 4148d

Well done Peter and Sara!

Sheela Selvajothy ● 4148d

For those who haven't seen it, this is Angie Bray's apology for the actions of one of her supporters:"It is unfortunately inexcusable even in heat of the moment and I have told him to step down from my team. We apologize to Rupa."

Peter Evans ● 4148d

Sorry! That wasn't supposed to read quite like that.. Was stating my opinion, not giving an order - which you rightly point out I have no authority to do :)

Julian Smith ● 4148d

I didn't realise it was quite so easy to 'close a thread' particularly if you didn't start it.

Peter Evans ● 4148d

The right decision by Angie, and I have thanked her on Twitter. Consider this thread now closed

Julian Smith ● 4148d

For those who haven't tracked it down yet here's an account of the incident with the video clip and the photo:http://politicalscrapbook.net/2015/05/tories-attack-rupq-huq-during-boris-ealing-visit/Glad Angie Bray has done the right thing, but an apology from Boris would also be welcome for the actions of his close supporters (and for not knowing who the local Labour candidate was, or worse, pretending not to). Karim Sacoor is well known in Tory circles - Conservative Disability Group, Conservative Muslim Forum and standing in various elections - so he's not just an over-enthusiastic activist and should know how to behave. We don't want Tower Hamlets behaviour in Acton. Maybe the police should have a word to avoid any repitition and to set an example. Nasty behaviour from the nasty party!

Peter Evans ● 4148d

Blimey.No wonder Angie has got an apology out straight away.This kind of image - of a hefty bloke restraining a rather slight woman - is toxic for a party which is trying to win the votes of female voters.

Richard Grange ● 4148d

Can't believe this fuss. The whole thing was seen by eye witnesses. Who if you care to ask will tell you Ms Huq ambushed Boris and forced herself between him and Angie Bray. When they were talking. Ms Huq was rude and arrogant. The man was not man handling her, he was trying to get her to move to the side, asking, cajoling nothing worked. Touching her was wrong, I get that. But just look at  how she is looking at Boris Venomous. Not a good look. But similar to the one she had when asked about her acceptance of the £1000 donation.

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4148d

Angie Bray tweets that she has apologised to Rupa Huq and her heavy has stepped down from the team.Quite right.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

Have you seen the video Angela?Angie Bray was right behind, laughing as Karim pushed her election poster in Rupa's face...I'm afraid she does have something to answer for - however much the Tory presence on here seems to deny it

Julian Smith ● 4148d

Dan did Exactly what you suggest Maire, he moved on to the next doorstep and, as far as I know, didn't respond at all. But there is a difference between the generic "Tory scum" and the rather specific "f***ing (my censorship!) spastic" Surely you see that.Was it you back of shot in the Rupa/Boris video? On the left? Couldn't quite see.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

Well said Gary.  Even if this thug was on the "staff", it doesn't mean it came from Angie or supported by her.  All nasty business and making everyone sore.  Hopefully we're not being played by the political strings in this whole affair, however nasty.Anyone for a nice cuppa tea?

Angela White ● 4148d

Silly tedious politicking that bores people stupid, get a grip of yourselves, why go to Angie for a comment , of course she wouldn't support any thuggish behaviour.

Gary Sinclair ● 4148d

If you were accosted in the street as Rupa was I would stand up for you in exactly the same way Maire, and I would do the same for Vlod or anyone else. You don't see me behaving in the way Karim did, neither at the Hustings nor in the street. I have never shouted Tory Scum at you, and nor would I ever do so. I condemn anyone who behaves like this. I am asking that Angie Bray makes a similar commitment, and removes such people from her team.

Julian Smith ● 4148d

Nothing to do with party politics as Dan would be able to tell you. Question is what do to about insults shouted in the street by stray weirdos? I ignore them if I can  That's just my way. You like to stir up trouble, that's just your way.

Maire Lowe ● 4148d

Maire, you and I may not see eye to eye but you are a better person than your previous post might lead people to believe. Supporting your party is one thing, not taking a stand against thuggish and intimidating behaviour is an entirely different matter. We have to speak with one voice about this.

Julian Smith ● 4148d

I'm curious now. I was on Goldsmith Avenue at the same time as Dan and we exchanged greetings. He walked on ahead as I was delivering stuff. A bit further down the road a woman shouted something at me. I thought she called me 'Tory scum'but it could have been anything really. If need be, I might be able to identify the house she entered. I think people who shout abuse in the street should be ignored as much as possible, but perhaps others think differently.

Maire Lowe ● 4148d

I am sick and tired of this sort of thing being excused, explained away, ignored.If Boris chooses to be bused into OUR constituency (not one he is standing in) then he can expect some involvement from locals - of which Rupa Huq is one. And anyone who chooses to try and engage him in a conversation should not, under any circumstances, be physically restrained, or have posters pushed into her face - as a grinning Angie Bray walks along behind watching. A public apology is required from both the person involved and Angie Bray. I have not seen this...And, as previously stated I also witnessed this individual heckling in an unpleasant and thuggish way throughout the time Rupa Huq was speaking at the CCAHustings. Not a nice person. But appearing in a number of pictures with Angie Bray - including on her own website (if I was Angie I would have those removed as soon as possible!)

Julian Smith ● 4148d

This is a link to the Twitter thread with the video:https://twitter.com/search?q=boris%20rupa&src=tyah(If it doesn't work, I found it by searching 'boris rupa')You can see Angie Bray grinning behind them - if she wants my vote she had better apologise for the behaviour of her 'supporter' PDQ.(I should add that I am not - and never have been - a Labour supporter; but such oafish behaviour should not be allowed to pass without some kind of sanction. And the action of the man who abused Dan Crawford leaves me speechless...)

Lorna Dodd ● 4148d

Personally am far too inept To post video - but it's all over Twitter.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

It's the combination of still and moving pix which concerns me. But I Agree, apart from politically, it is insignificant compared to the disgusting abuse of Dan.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

That's awful to call someone that.  Sorry you had to undergo that, Dan.  I hope someone comes forward to help with enquiries on that.I'm now confused.....can we see some video please?  I'm aware that photo looks terrible and now with Alan's posting, perhaps it was taken out of context, we'll see.  Doesn't sound good at all.  Manhandling anyone unless they are a physical threat, isn't good at all.

Angela White ● 4148d

'And then there's the heavy wrapping Himself around Rupa Huqa, and physically restraint [sic] her as she talked to Boris'This is an exaggeration if the short video of the incident I have seen is the one you are referring to. The man is seeking to disrupt Rupa Huq's questions to Boris Johnson. He rudely puts campaign leaflets in front of her face and at one point pulls at her arm but the rather slight Ms Huq easily shakes him off as he isn't doing so with any real force. She then continues to question Boris.It is childish and undignified but their is no real aggression involved. Ms Huq was being quite provocative in hijacking Boris's walkabout so some pushing and shoving was almost inevitable.If there is another more damning clip of the incident please post a link but otherwise most people are likely to judge the faux outrage over this as politically calculated.The Dan Crawford incident is another thing entirely. Anybody who witnessed this should contact him and offer to make a statement to the police if he is seeking to take it further.

Alan Fairclough ● 4148d

Hadn't realised till I watched the video, that it happened in Churchfield Road. How did I miss it. Angie Bray was there too - you can see her.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

Apparently he's called Karim Sacoor and he describes himself as a Conservative Activist.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

Here's the first image, which went viral on twitter:

Julian Smith ● 4148d

oops. maybe this will work:

Julian Smith ● 4148d

I was the chap on twitter, and I will try top post the photo below.Unless I have missed it I see no apology from Angie Bray.Absolutely shocking.[img]http://i.imgur.com/mhREpFg.jpg[/img][url=http://imgur.com/mhREpFg][img]http://i.imgur.com/mhREpFg.jpg[/img][/url]

Julian Smith ● 4148d

Alleged to be one of Angie's team... I wouldn't know but he seems to have been pictured with her (have seen that) and chap on Twitter says He was heckling at the CCA hustings - but I'm short-sighted & didnt spot him so can't Confirm.Am Rubbish at posting pix here I'm afraid - maybe others are better.

Sara Nathan ● 4148d

Well done to Dan. A gentleman will always out shine a lout. Are you saying that the idiot hugging Ms Huq was a conservative?

Jan Gayle-Farlow ● 4148d

Of course its horrible and unacceptable.No party wants these louts (why would they) unfortunately all parties have them.

Bob Crossley ● 4148d