Labour MP Jas Athwal stands down as a councillor

Labour MP Jas Athwal has stood down as a councillor for a north-east London council.

No reason has been given for Athwal's resignation from Redbridge Council. The news comes months after he faced heavy criticism over the state of his rental homes.

A by-election in the Mayfield ward, which he represented, will be held on 27 March.

Athwal was elected as the Labour MP for Ilford South last July, succeeding the party's previous incumbent Sam Tarry, after serving as the leader of Redbridge Council for a decade.

In a brief statement provided to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a spokesperson for London Labour said: "Jas Athwal has stood down as councillor for Mayfield ward and a by-election will take place on 27th March."

Athwal is still listed as a councillor on Redbridge Council's website and the move will not affect his role as an MP.

Fellow Labour councillor Bayo Alaba quit as a representative for Wanstead Park in September, two months after being elected as the MP for Southend East and Rochford.

Last year, Athwal faced calls to resign over the state of his rental homes and his links to a failing care home.

A BBC investigation uncovered ant infestations and black mould in seven rental properties he owned.

Labour is expected to confirm its candidates for the by-election later this week.

The ward is currently represented by councillors Tanweer Khan and deputy leader Vanisha Solanki.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected]