An Unusual Coincidence?

We understand that Zain Miah has left the Labour Party and is proposing to stand as an independent. Not one of Mehmood Mirza’s Newham Independents, but as an independent, Independent.

Our sources tell us that Miah will throw his hat into the ring to contest the Beckton seat, seeking to rely upon the support of the sizeable Bangladeshi community in the area.

It came as something of a surprise to one of our correspondents to discover that Zain Miah and sitting councillor, John Whitworth were locked in meaningful discussions at EFES restaurant in Canning Town on the evening of Wednesday 12th March. To observers it looked like they were negotiating a deal.

Of course, it could have been that this was just two old friends who were getting together for a meal. Anything is possible. But it does add into the scuttlebutt we are hearing that if Miah is elected  he intends to follow the Labour whip.