According to LBC, Councillor Rowena Bass, the leader of the Conservative Group on Kingston Council and a former parliamentary candidate, is alleged to have "assaulted" her election agent after a verbal confrontation.

LBC says it has seen an email from the Richmond Park & North Kingston Conservative Association which confirms the matter "has been reported to the police and remains under investigation".

In a 'weekly newsletter' sent to members, it says "Following the assault of our Association Manager, we wish to remind all members, volunteers and visitors that Richmond Park Conservatives operates a zero-tolerance policy towards abuse, intimidation or threatening behaviour directed at staff or volunteers.

"This matter has been reported to the police and remains under investigation.

"The safety and wellbeing of those who work and volunteer for the Association is paramount. Harassment, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation or any form of violence will not be tolerated and may result in police action, suspension of membership, or other appropriate sanctions.

"We thank our staff and volunteers for their continued dedication and thank members for their understanding and cooperation."

A Conservative spokesman confirmed to LBC Cllr Bass has been suspended from the party pending investigation into these allegations

It is alleged by her agent (the party's most senior staff member for the boroughs of Kingston and Richmond) that Cllr Bass left her face bruised after a physical assault on the Conservative office premises on Upper Richmond Road, in East Sheen.

The Conservative councillor has represented Coombe Hill ward since 2014, and was the Tory parliamentary candidate in Bootle at the last General Election, finishing fourth with 4.3% of the vote.

Cllr Bass' party won a seat in Coombe Hill at last month's Local Elections.

A Conservative Party Spokesman told LBC: "Cllr Rowena Bass has been suspended from the Conservative Party pending investigation into these allegations.

"This process is rightly confidential and we will not be commenting further."

However, Nub News has seen an email from the Richmond Park & North Kingston Conservative Association stating: "I think this ought to be investigated as the person in question who assaulted an employee is a female who sits on council in opposition."

In an email to the association, Cllr James Giles, leader of the Independent Opposition Party, said: "There is an obvious contradiction in the party suspending a councillor whilst seemingly allowing them to continue to be presented to the public, the council and residents as a Conservative councillor.

"This is particularly concerning where the reported allegations are serious and relate to conduct at a Conservative office."

A Kingston Council spokesperson told Nub News: "The Council is aware that Councillor Bass has been suspended from the Conservative Party, due to an alleged incident. This is a matter for the Metropolitan Police. Councillor Bass remains a councillor and will continue to fulfil that role. The Council cannot provide any further comment in relation to any alleged incident. "

Nub News has contacted Cllr Bass for comment.

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