LUTFUR Rahman is running as an independent in Tower Hamlets’ mayor race.

The former council leader had been picked by the local Labour party as its candidate but was suspended by the party’s National Executive Committee earlier this week as it investigated allegations made by local party members, which asked current council leader Helal Abbas to run instead.

Mr Rahman failed in his bid to injunct the party at a hearing before in judge in chambers yesterday and his team confirmed that he will be filing his nomination papers as an independent at the town hall later today.

The deadline for candidates to register their names is noon tomorrow.