Convicted and jailed benefit fraudster still hangs on to Tower Hamlets Council Seat
Shelina Akhtar is a twice convicted benefit fraudster. In May 2010 she was elected to Tower Hamlets, giving an address in Spitalfields on her nomination papers. In fact she was actually the tenant of a property in Blackwall Way, which she was illegally subletting for £1,000 per month. Shortly after her election, when she used the name Akhtar, she instructed officers to change official documents to Aktar. This was just before she was first convicted for the first time under the name of Akhtar.
Conservatives are working to stand up for the residents in Spitalfields. The views of residents are being ignored. Please read our latest newsletter.
There are serious questions to be answered that in a borough with 23,000 on the waiting list, how a healthy 32 year old was allocated this property when she already had plenty of living space at 37 Toynbee Street. Indeed, space could scarcely have been at a premium in 37 Toynbee Street, since she and her mother have been joined by four additional adults, all of whom are included on the electoral register.
I am writing regarding Cllr Shelina Akhtar, who has now been convicted for the second time for benefit fraud. It has also been revealed that she was illegally renting the property that Swan Housing owns and manages for £1,000 per month, whilst actually residing in Toynbee Street under a variation of her name.
At our Dinner on Thursday 13th October 2011, the Bethnal Green and Bow Conservative Association were joined by Bob Neill MP, Minister for Local Government, to talk about a range of issues affecting the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the wider East End area.
Zara Davis, Conservative councillor for Millwall, said: "These THEOs are supposed to be patrolling the streets and keeping us safe, but when looting and violence broke out, they were nowhere to be seen. It turns out that in the borough's moment of need, not a single THEO was on duty."
We are regularly talking to residents to find out their views and opinions. Please do contact us if you have a local issue that we can help with. Please see the 'People' page and 'Association Officers' for contact details.
'The random and indiscriminate violence against businesses, households and the police witnessed across London last night is totally despicable and without excuse. It is pure criminality and an embarrassment for ordinary hardworking Londoners, and those responsible will feel the full force of the law in the coming days and weeks.
We want to thank and commend the police, fire brigade, local authorities and many local volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the last 48 hours to restore order, save property and life, and repair damage to local communities.
The people of Tower Hamlets have rejected making changes to the voting system used to choose MPs by delivering a resounding No vote in the recent referendum. 54% of local people voted No, rejecting the change proposed by Nick Clegg and Ed Miliband.
