'You don't understand', Bob Geldof heckled in Richmond as he drums up Lib Dem support on campaign trail

Campaign trail: Bob Geldof visited Richmond to urge voters to back the Lib Dems in the upcoming by-election
Liz Anderson
Jamie Bullen1 December 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Bob Geldof was heckled by Richmond voters as he joined the campaign trail to pledge his support for the Liberal Democrats in the upcoming by-election.

The Boomtown Rats rocker has backed Lib Dem candidate Sarah Olney ahead of the Richmond Park contest on Thursday, which was triggered when Zac Goldsmith resigned his seat in the Commons over the Government’s decision to build a third runway at Heathrow.

But some voters challenged him over his intervention against Mr Goldsmith who he branded a “political failure” during his visit.

Retired airline pilot Alastair Rosenschein said the musician knew “nothing” as he clashed with him on a walkabout.

He told him: “Bob Geldof you do not understand. You don't understand the facts about Heathrow, you simply don't."

Mr Geldof, who bizarrely clashed with Nigel Farage during a confrontation on the River Thames during the EU referendum campaign, said Remain supporters must be heard.

Heathrow campaigner: Zac Goldsmith 
PA

He said: “I know Zac Goldsmith and I like the guy, but the plain fact is that Zac is a political failure.

“Worst of all of is that he’s not only failed but betrayed the people of Richmond, who like the rest of London, voted overwhelmingly to stay in Europe.

“How can Goldsmith represent the opinion of the people of Richmond in Parliament when he is the poster-boy for the Brexiteers and is urging the government daily on its catastrophic course?

“The fightback can begin in Richmond tomorrow; Zac has to go.”

Mr Geldof also chanted "Zac is crap" as he attempted to drum up support for the Lib Dems.

Ms Olney tweeted: “Fantastic to be out talking to voters with Bob Geldof throwing his support behind the @LibDems in #RichmondPark.”

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