Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman: I’m not a fraudster
Four voters have taken legal action against him over a series of allegations, including personation in postal voting and at polling stations
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A mayor accused of electoral fraud has insisted to a special High Court hearing he is not a “liar and a fraudster”.
Lutfur Rahman, the independent Mayor of Tower Hamlets, east London, completed giving evidence today after answering questions over four days at an Election Court trial in London. Four voters have taken legal action against him over a series of allegations, including personation in postal voting and at polling stations, and ballot paper tampering. They want the Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey, who is sitting as a judge, to declare the result of last May’s mayoral election – which saw Mr Rahman elected for a second term – void and order a rerun, after mounting a challenge under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act.
Mr Rahman, who denies wrongdoing, denied claims from the group’s lawyer that he was trying to “filibuster” proceedings and told Mr Mawrey that he knows he has “a lot to lose”.
“I wanted people to support me on my track record, on my decency, on my character,” Mr Rahman said. “I work very hard and I have a lot to lose.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments