Key Points
- UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed is “appalled” that sitting London councillors are campaigning for parliamentary positions in Bangladesh while serving in Tower Hamlets.
- Sabina Khan and Ohid Ahmed are standing as candidates for the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) while holding council posts in east London.
- Sabina Khan was elected as a Labour councillor in Mile End in 2022, switched to Aspire party in 2023, and has missed over half of council meetings due to being overseas.
- Ohid Ahmed, representing Lansbury ward in Poplar, was elected Labour in 2002, joined Tower Hamlets First in 2014, moved to Aspire in 2022, and is now an independent councillor planning not to stand in 2026 local elections.
- Both councillors have said they will resign their UK posts if elected in Bangladesh.
- Tower Hamlets Council states UK law does not automatically disqualify councillors for running or holding office abroad.
- A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson condemned the behaviour and referenced new tougher sanctions to “clean up local politics.”
What has UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed said about councillors campaigning abroad while serving in Tower Hamlets?
As reported by the Evening Standard on Tuesday, UK Communities Secretary Steve Reed has expressed he is
“appalled that any councillor elected by local people to serve their interests would even consider abandoning that commitment to campaign in another country.”
Reed’s condemnation follows revelations that two serving councillors in Tower Hamlets are standing as candidates for parliamentary election in Bangladesh while still holding their UK council positions.
In a letter addressed to Tower Hamlets Council, Reed urged the local authority to intervene, emphasising that
“that journey requires a dedicated and fully engaged political leadership to grip and deliver the necessary change.”
He called on the council to “stop this situation” and to remind councillors that their focus “needs to be on helping the people of Tower Hamlets.”
Who are the councillors involved and what are their political backgrounds?
The Evening Standard identified the two councillors as Sabina Khan and Ohid Ahmed, both seeking election under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) banner.
- Sabina Khan was elected as a Labour councillor for Mile End in 2022 but defected to the borough’s ruling Aspire party in 2023. The British daily reported she has missed more than half of the council meetings in 2025 due to being out of the country, presumably linked to her campaigning activities in Bangladesh.
- Ohid Ahmed represents Lansbury ward in Poplar. He was first elected as a Labour councillor in 2002. He joined the Tower Hamlets First party, led by Lutfur Rahman, in 2014 and later defected to Aspire in 2022 before becoming an independent councillor in 2024. He has publicly announced he will not contest the 2026 local elections. On social media, as the Evening Standard highlighted, Ohid has posted actively on issues concerning Bangladesh’s economy, women’s education, and road conditions.
Both councillors have stated their intention to resign their UK council seats if elected as MPs in Bangladesh.
What is the legal position of Tower Hamlets Council on councillors running for foreign offices?
Tower Hamlets Council, as cited by the Evening Standard, stated that current laws “do not automatically disqualify” councillors in the UK
“solely because they are running for or hold an elected office in another country.”
This position implies that while holding dual political roles may raise ethical concerns, it is not currently prohibited by statute.
How have UK government officials reacted to this dual-role candidacy situation?
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was quoted by the Evening Standard describing the behaviour as “unacceptable.” The spokesperson emphasised that
“all councillors must uphold the Nolan principles, including integrity, objectivity, and accountability.”
These principles form the ethical framework for public office holders in the UK.
Further, the Ministry’s remarks were made in the context of the UK government announcing more stringent sanctions aimed at rule-breaking councillors, with the goal to “clean up local politics” and rebuild public trust in elected officials.
What are the implications for local governance in Tower Hamlets and upcoming elections?
Local elections in London, including Tower Hamlets, are scheduled for May 2026. The active campaigning of sitting councillors for foreign parliamentary roles raises questions about their ability to serve their constituents effectively in the interim.
Steve Reed’s letter and the Ministry’s response signal heightened scrutiny on councillors’ commitments and expectations to prioritise their UK duties. If councillors are found to be neglecting their responsibilities, the government may explore legislative or regulatory changes to enforce accountability.
Why is this issue significant for public confidence in local politics?
Dual political roles, especially across different countries, may undermine public confidence. When elected officials campaign abroad while holding office locally, constituents might question their fidelity to local duties.
The Ministry’s push for tougher sanctions reflects wider concerns about transparency and ethical conduct in local government, aligning with national efforts to uphold good governance standards and prevent misuse of political positions.
