Fiaz Slighted by Sadiq

At the weekend, members of the Labour faithful turned out to campaign for Sadiq Khan and the Assembly candidates, Unmesh Desai and James Beckles.

They were supported by some of Newham Labour’s party big-wigs.  With Khan, we can see Desai and Beckles. Behind him is East Ham MP, Stephen Timms and to his side is the mayor of Newham, one Rokhsana Fiaz. There is a generous smattering of local councillors in addition.

Khan greeted the supporters with a short speech, prior to the business of canvassing.

Timms was recognized for the depth of his work in the community; Desai for his history of work in anti-racism and on the Assembly; even new kid, Beckles was singled out for praise.

The one person who could have expected to be publicly acknowledged was Fiaz, but regarding Fiaz, he was silent.

His silence was interpreted by those present, and we are told by Fiaz herself, as a pointed insult. It’s possible he wanted to distance himself from her mismanagement of the council, but we suspect that it is more personal and goes back to the time when she effectively called Khan a liar.