INSIDE SUTTON: Here’s the full text of Patrick Ogbonna’s email to all councillors, sent this morning, with ‘BREAKING NEWS: Standing Down… but Rising Up!’ in the subject field

Morning, members.

On the beat: residents in his ward have said that Patrick Ogbonna, right, took his duties seriously

Re: the above, I recently met with the so called “Leader” (whom I never voted for, by the way) of Sutton Council to discuss my leafleting and canvassing ratio. At the meeting I was informed I was “the worst performing candidate in the history of the Lib Dems”.

I have been called worse, but let’s put that aside. I informed Barry that as a working father and primary carer to my five-year-old daughter, family was and always will remain my priority – unlike some in the group who are unencumbered with young children and juggling childcare and work.

Mr Lewis was informed that in any open organisation people should not be treated as a homogenous mass. They set “leafleting targets” without consultation or regard for individual circumstances.

Mr Lewis told me I would be placed on a “reserve list” of candidates so they could appoint someone more prolific in leafleting who has nothing else to do. I told him to stick it.

I know my worth – my parents didn’t raise no fool.

To all members: for the past two years I have had serious misgivings and become more withdrawn from this party, some of the reasons are outlined below:

1. Some are illiberal. Do as they say, or they will get rid of you.
2. There is racism and unconscious bias.
3. There is deception, deceit, and duplicitous behaviour. The way David Bartolucci was unceremoniously evicted from his post made me shudder. I spoke with David during this time, and I cannot tell you how emotionally devastated he was. He gave his all for the party and look where it got him. That was the turning point for me.
4. Some treat fellow members like s**t. Unless you’re with the in-crowd, you’re a nobody.
5. Some are complete hypocrites and two-faced.
6. Some are there for their own self-worth, rather than supporting and backing our residents.
7. The administration prioritises trees, 20mph zones, grass verges and other policy nonsense before local residents who pay their Council Tax.
8. Some take themselves too seriously – like the world will end if you don’t hit your arbitrary canvassing target, or “abstain” from a meaningless vote.
9. Treating and talking to grown adults as if they are children. This is totally unacceptable.
10. Being continually reminded that I won my seat by a “mere 50 votes” is reductive, tiresome and negative. Is that my ‘fault’?! When I ran in 2022, I wasn’t even expecting to be elected! So, in fact, I exceeded expectations.

I know the usual suspects – the ones who sit next to you in meetings without acknowledging your presence – will say, “Good riddance, he didn’t do much leafleting or canvassing anyway.”

If my character and personality are judged and valued by how many doors I knock on, or leaflets I deliver, then yes, I am that bad person.

Mr Lewis is not a leader; he never was and never will be. A leader is someone who others are prepared to follow. He is incompetent, inept, blustering and tends to make totally inappropriate, offensive comments.

People often ask me on the doorstep, “What do Lib Dems stand for?” Answers on a postcard, please.

I had a life before becoming a councillor and life will continue after. For now, I might stand as an independent but time is very short so I will see.

For those in the party, who’s next?

One thing life has taught me: if you are working in a toxic environment, get out before the toxicity destroys you.

Finally, to those in the party who actually know me, I respect you and it’s been a pleasure working alongside you. For all members of the “opposition” (how I hate that word – it smacks of gang wars and tribalism), you know I have always been genuine and treated/communicated with you all with dignity, humility and respect. Thank you for showing the same level of respect; I learnt a lot from those longstanding members on the same committees as me.

If you are standing again, good luck and I am sure our paths will cross again!

Funnily enough, I actually feel a sense of freedom!

Kind regards

Patrick Ogbonna
Former !!!! Liberal Democrat Ward Councillor for The Wrythe

Read more: LibDems rocked by councillor attack on Sutton leader Lewis
Read more: Sutton council leader denies punching colleague at meeting
Read more: LibDems’ sacked deputy storms out of meeting, and council
Read more: LibDems pick failed businessman Biggles as new Sutton leader

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