People's Alliance of Tower Hamlets
The Tower Hamlets Independent Group (THIG) is the main political opposition to the Council of Tower Hamlets in east London.[1]
Evolution from Tower Hamlets First
Lutfur Rahman, founder of Tower Hamlets First, came under fire in 2014–2015 for various charges of corruption and electoral fraud.[2][3][4] Tower Hamlets First was consequently dissolved and later reformed in 2015 under the new name Tower Hamlets Independent Group.[5]
Current representation in the Tower Hamlets Council
Tower Hamlets Independent Group councillors currently occupy 13 of the 45 Council seats in the Tower Hamlets Council.[6] Several former THIG members have defected to become Independents.[5]
| Name | Ward | |
|---|---|---|
| Councillor Ohid Ahmed | Lansbury | |
| Councillor Suluk Ahmed | Spitalfields & Banglatown | |
| Councillor Mahbub Alam | St Dunstan's | |
| Councillor Shah Alam | Mile End | |
| Councillor Abdul Asad | Whitechapel | |
| Councillor Gulam Kibria Choudhury | Poplar | |
| Councillor Aminur Khan | Whitechapel | |
| Councillor Rabina Khan | Shadwell | |
| Councillor Harun Miah | Shadwell | |
| Councillor Md. Maium Miah | Canary Wharf | |
| Councillor Muhammad Ansar Mustaquim | St Peter's | |
| Councillor Oliur Rahman | Stepney Green | (Leader of the Independent Group) |
| Councillor Gulam Robbani | Spitalfields & Banglatown |
Group membership requirements
 |
On December 9, 2015, the following message was sent to all THIG members:
The Group agreed in principle that all Group members must adhere to the following:
- All Members must attend their Council meetings, including Group meetings. Failure to attend three meetings will result in a warning and written explanation sought.
- The Group has agreed to open a Group bank – every member to contribute £20 per month, Councillors with additional allowance such as the Leader and O&S Lead will make additional contribution. £40 for the Leader and the O&S lead.
- The Group agreed to have the Constitution/Memorandum of Understanding, if you have any suggestion, please let our Political Adviser brother Ali – know by close of play, 20 December and copy me.
- No one should give media comments or interview about Group matters, without prior approval, except the Leader to ensure smooth running.
- The Group reserves the right to disciple any Member whose conduct brings the Group into disrepute or create disunity – avoiding collective responsibility – including the Leader or officer bearer of the Group.
- Key events and group engagements that all must attend are: 14 December at 6.30 pm (Independent Group workshop), 16 December at 6.30 pm in Waterlily (Unite against Islamophobia and Racism) and 14 January 2016 at 7 pm (People's Budget meeting in Canary Wharf).
References
- ^ "People' Budget public meeting". www.worldeventer.com. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
- ^ "First fake voters, now police look into 'bogus' councillors in Tower Hamlets". Telegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
- ^ "Court bans Lutfur Rahman from office and tells Tower Hamlets to pick a new mayor". The Independent. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
- ^ "Lutfur Rahman's divide-and-rule tactics which scarred a community". The Independent. Retrieved 2016-03-11.
- ^ a b "Fraud-Free Zone". Private Eye. No. 1410. 22 January 2016. p. 18.
- ^ "Mayor and Councillors". Tower Hamlets Council. Retrieved 12 June 2015.