British-Indian Labour MP accused of renting out flats infested with mould and fleas
LONDON: A newly elected Labour British Sikh MP is accused of being a slum landlord after a BBC investigation claimed his tenants were living in flats infested with mould and fleas.
Athwal (60) was born in Punjab into a Sikh family. He lived there until his family relocated to Ilford in 1970 when he was seven. In July he was elected as MP to represent Ilford South.He rents out 15 flats in London.
A BBC reporter went to visit his flats above a shop in Redbridge, East London, and was met with black mould growing on the bathroom ceilings, sometimes with ant infestations on top, lights broken, fire alarms hanging loose from the ceiling, and a washing machine dumped next the stairs. Tenants complained that both Athwal and his property agent were unresponsive when they raised complaints and they were afraid of being evicted if they spoke out.
“The ants are everywhere,” one resident said, pointing to insects climbing up a door frame.
Athwal, who has been a councillor since 2010, was leader of Redbridge London Borough Council from 2014. He stepped down after winning the Ilford South seat.
It was also unclear if he had the correct property licences required under a scheme he himself introduced as Redbridge Council leader.
Leader of Redbridge Conservatives Paul Canal called for an investigation into breaches of the code of conduct by Athwal, for him to resign as councillor, and for the Labour whip to be withdrawn. He also reported his managing agent to the police for threatening behaviour.
In a statement Athwal said: “I’m proud to rent out homes with secure tenancies at below-market rents. I’m shocked at the reported condition of a number of the properties and have asked the managing agent for an explanation and immediate action to rectify any issues. I’m profoundly sorry that tenants have been let down. Repairs and maintenance will be done swiftly. I am in the process of renewing all licences.”
On Oct 11, 2018, Athwal had tweeted: “Rogue landlords, we are coming for you.”
Athwal (60) was born in Punjab into a Sikh family. He lived there until his family relocated to Ilford in 1970 when he was seven. In July he was elected as MP to represent Ilford South.He rents out 15 flats in London.
A BBC reporter went to visit his flats above a shop in Redbridge, East London, and was met with black mould growing on the bathroom ceilings, sometimes with ant infestations on top, lights broken, fire alarms hanging loose from the ceiling, and a washing machine dumped next the stairs. Tenants complained that both Athwal and his property agent were unresponsive when they raised complaints and they were afraid of being evicted if they spoke out.
“The ants are everywhere,” one resident said, pointing to insects climbing up a door frame.
Athwal, who has been a councillor since 2010, was leader of Redbridge London Borough Council from 2014. He stepped down after winning the Ilford South seat.
It was also unclear if he had the correct property licences required under a scheme he himself introduced as Redbridge Council leader.
Leader of Redbridge Conservatives Paul Canal called for an investigation into breaches of the code of conduct by Athwal, for him to resign as councillor, and for the Labour whip to be withdrawn. He also reported his managing agent to the police for threatening behaviour.
In a statement Athwal said: “I’m proud to rent out homes with secure tenancies at below-market rents. I’m shocked at the reported condition of a number of the properties and have asked the managing agent for an explanation and immediate action to rectify any issues. I’m profoundly sorry that tenants have been let down. Repairs and maintenance will be done swiftly. I am in the process of renewing all licences.”
On Oct 11, 2018, Athwal had tweeted: “Rogue landlords, we are coming for you.”
