Despite much excitement in the Guardian this morning, the campaign to bring down the Corporation of London from the inside has not got off to a very good start for “freelance community organiser” Bryn Phillips. This former Occupy St Paul’s spokesman and close ally of Maurice Glasman is planning on standing in the upcoming by-election for the City of London Corporation council seat of Farringdon Within. However, his violent past has caught up with him…

Phillips was arrested during the riots in Hackney last summer for throwing a missile at the police. Wood Green Crown Court have confirmed that he was convicted for violent disorder and burglary and is awaiting sentence. Despite his best efforts to spin the Guardian this morning, (they claim “the case will be heard later this month”) Case S20120099 actually happened back in March. Guilty M’Lord…

In order to stand in the elections Phillips had to be awarded the Freedom of the City, something he only achieved on July 2. On the application form all previous convictions must be stated. Guido understands violent disorder and burglary would automatically rule you out from receiving the honour, and Corporation sources are adamant that a declaration of such would have triggered further investigation. It did not. Instead it is becoming increasingly likely that Phillips has voided any chance of standing in the election due to the fact he has failed to declare his convictions. Just because he has not been sentenced yet, does not mean his conviction does not stand.

Guido was ready to put these allegations to Phillips at his press conference this morning but the violent, rioting thug did not turn up for at least an hour after apparent start time. Which is just as well as given that Guildhall security had sealed off the venue and would not let anyone in…