Former north London mayor 'sorry' for trying to get visas for his family and friends

"I would like to offer my sincere apology to the council for the conduct in relation to the invitation letters to attend council programs. I recognise that the actions did not meet the standards expected of an elected member and may have affected confidence in the council. I have already written to the governance team requesting that they provide a date for me to undertake the Code of Conduct training, and I look forward to completing it at the earliest opportunity. I remain committed to ensuring that my future conduct reflects the responsibilities and expectations of public office. While I accept the findings of the committee and comply fully with its decision, I will be raising some separate concerns about aspects of the process through the appropriate channels."

"We are now preparing to refer this entire case to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to ensu"

Mohammad Islam stood down as mayor after Enfield Council's conduct committee penalised him for writing letters supporting family and friends' visa applications, ruling the actions brought his office into disrepute. The committee required a written apology, completion of Code of Conduct training, and prohibited him from wearing his previous mayoral badge. Islam accepted the findings and pledged to ensure future conduct meets public office expectations, while expressing concerns about aspects of the committee process. He intends to refer parts of the case to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman. Islam was previously suspended by the Labour Party and now sits as an independent councillor.

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