Tower Hamlets mayor election declared ‘void’ by High Court: Rahman ‘guilty’

The election that put Tower Hamlets controversial Mayor Lutfur Rahman back in office last May has been declared “void” in the High Court this morning.

He has been found guilty of corrupt and illegal practices by an Election Court judge who concluded that he had breached rules governing elections.

Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey, who sat as a judge, said Rahman had “driven a coach and horses” through local authority law and that corrupt practices had “extensively prevailed”.

The conduct of his supporters on polling day has caused “considerable disquiet”.

He suggested Mr Rahman, who was born in Bangladesh, had played “race” and “religious” cards.

He said Mr Rahman had been guilty of “corrupt practice” and had been an “evasive” witness.

Mr Mawrey said the mayoral election was “void”.

Four petitioners led by anti-corruption campaigner Andy Erlam have asked that the election result which saw Mayor Rahman re-elected for a second term, be declared void and order a re-run.

They also wanted Mr Rahman to be barred from holding office for a period.

The four voters mounted a challenge under the Representation of The People Act.