Lewisham West and Penge's MP deleted a tweet after she was asked had she “checked the facts” about a claim related to a by-election candidate for Bellingham. 

On April 23, MP Ellie Reeves tweeted that Labour candidate Rachel Onikosi “has a proven track record delivering for the community leading on the regeneration of Beckhenham Park and the Fellowship and Star”.  

The Fellowship and Star is a Grade II listed pub in Bellingham, which was restored after a campaign. 

But Ms Reeves deleted the tweet after the board chair of an organisation behind the 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.  

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”. 

On April 25, Ms Onikosi posted a 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.” 

Both Ms 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.” 

Lewisham’s four by-elections are set to take place on May 6.