An experienced Waltham Forest councillor has thrown his hat into the ring and announced he is campaigning to be named Labour’s next parliamentary candidate in Ilford South.
Liaquat Ali has been a councillor in the neighbouring borough of Waltham Forest since 1994, holding positions including deputy leader of the council, and responsibility for various cabinet portfolios.
The veteran local councillor - who has also been vice chairman of London Fire Emergency Planning Authority and chairman of the Pakistani Kashmiri Councillors Forum UK- is now hoping to gain enough support among fellow Labour members in the constituency to be named its next prospective MP when a general election is called.
Liaquat said: "Labour needs more MPs with a working-class background and real-life experience.
"Because of the challenges I overcame as a child and the experience that I have growing up, I have the credibility, experience, and the skills to advocate and champion the people of Ilford South in Parliament."
The Labour Party opened its selection process on Thursday, August 15.
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