Deputy leader of Tower Hamlets’ Labour group Cllr Motin Uz-zaman has announced he is seeking the Party’s nomination to fight next year’s mayoral election.

The councillor for Mile End East was first elected in 1998, and is now intending to take on Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman.

“I will stand up for all our residents against this governments unfair cuts and austerity measures and work hard to ensure there is a change of direction in Tower Hamlets to protect our residents”, he said.

“I want Tower Hamlets to be a place where all the communities can expect to get excellent service from the Council.”

Cllr Uz-zaman will face competition from Cllr Rachael Saunders, London Assembly Member John Biggs and Cllr David Edgar, all of whom have announced they are seeking the Labour nomination.

Applications for the nomination close later this month, with a final announcement on the candidate expected in April.