Lewisham MP deletes tweet after claims about by-election candidate questioned

By Grainne Cuffe, local democracy reporter

A claim related to a candidate in the upcoming Bellingham by-election around her campaigning for the restoration of a local historic pub has been called into question.

On April 25, Labour candidate Rachel Onikosi posted a statement on Twitter in which she said “as a political and community campaigner I was very pleased to have proactively supported the [Fellowship and Star] campaign”.

On April 23, the Lewisham West and Penge MP Ellie Reeves tweeted that Ms Onikosi “has a proven track record delivering for the community leading on the regeneration of Beckhenham Park and the Fellowship”.

But Ms Reeves deleted the tweet after the board chair of an organisation behind the pub campaign asked had she “checked the facts”.

Phoenix Community Housing, who were tagged in the post, worked with Electric Star Group in 2018 to restore the Grade II listed pub originally called The Fellowship Inn.

Phoenix secured £4 million in lottery funding to enable the restoration.

The venue, built in the early 1920s, reopened in 2019 as the Fellowship and Star – it now has a cinema, fully restored pub, community space, and music rooms.

In the past the pub hosted bands such as Fleetwood Mac and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers.

According to Ms Onikosi’s statement: “As a Labour council candidate in the Bellingham by-election on May 6 I’m so proud of the amazing work that Phoenix Community Housing do in our community and it was a pleasure speaking to the chair about the new Fellowship and Star.

“In terms of the restoration of the Fellowship and Star, the honour and leadership go to Phoenix Community Housing, Goldsmith’s University and the many others than ensured its funding and regeneration.

“As a political and community campaigner I was very pleased to have proactively supported the campaign.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with community partners on many more campaigns and local initiatives.”

In her since deleted tweet, Ms Reeves said: “Rachel Onikosi will be an absolutely fantastic representative for Bellingham.

“She has a proven track record delivering for the community leading on the regeneration of Beckhenham Park and the Fellowship and Star so please support her as Labour’s candidate for Bellingham.”

Anne McGurk, chair of the Phoenix Community Housing board, responded to Ms Reeves’ tweet and said “are you sure” and “did you check the facts”.

Both Cllr Onikosi and Ms Reeves have been asked for comment but have not responded.

A spokesperson from Phoenix Community Housing did not comment on the claims.

But she said: “We’re grateful to everyone who is supportive of the restoration of the Fellowship and Star, and look forward to the ongoing support from the community once it’s in a position to reopen.”