Resignations and Defections

This tweet says it all.

The dubious coalition built by the incumbent mayor seems to have frayed somewhat.

Nazir Cllr Nazir Ahmed is now listed as an Independent on the Council website. Ahmed was one of a number of Newham councillors who had been exposed for comments on social media that were just a little too antisemitic, even for Newham Labour. Now he has jumped ship and joined Aspire, with the intention of standing for them in Tower Hamlets.

Lutfur Rahman has the dubious honour of being one of the very few elected mayors who have been dismissed from office for corrupt behaviour. It seems that he wants to make a comeback.

Interestingly, in Newham we also seem to have people going the other way. Former Tower Hamlets First (Aspire Mark 1) candidates seeking to stand for Labour in Newham.

Is there any commitment to the Labour Party and its principles or are these individuals merely seeking the best vehicle to get elected?

Is Ahmed’s resignation a one-off or is he the first of many?