An attack on a Conservative Party HQ was a deliberate criminal act, the party’s local MP and Deputy Chairman has said.
Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster described the vandalism of the Westminster North association headquarters as an “attack on democracy”.
The local office at Shirland Road, W9 was vandalised on Monday night, with pictures showing all four front windows smashed.
Ms Aiken said the fact that the office was the only shopfront on the road to suffer damage showed it was a targeted political act.
She said on Tuesday: “Westminster North Conservatives office was vandalised last night.
“No other buildings in the street were targeted. A criminal act and an attack on democracy.”
She added: “I’m sure politicians across the political divide will join me in condemning such criminality.”
Conservative Peer Lord Leigh of Hurley went further, referencing a comment made last year by Labour Deputy Leader Angela Rayner last year.
He asked: “Was someone encouraged to do this by Angela Rayner’s Tory scum comment?
“Yes she has rightly apologised but words have consequences.”
Council Leader Adam Hug also joined those condemning the act of violence, saying it ‘had no place in our democracy’.
The Chairman of the Westminster North Conservative Association, Philip Stephenson-Oliver, put out a statement echoing Aiken’s words, and said the association would carry on its community work and campaigning as usual.
He said: “This mindless act of vandalism, against our office which is primarily staffed by volunteers, is in the words of Nickie Aiken MP “an attack on democracy” in this country.
“Needless to say that despite the effort to disrupt the association we have continued work as normal with the printing of newsletters, surveys and dealing with casework to help our community here in Westminster.
“We hope that the police will find those responsible and we will keep you all informed of any future developments.”
Image: Google Streetview.