Enfield (north London): ex-mayor Mohammed Islam apologizes after using his position to support visa applications

Former mayor of Enfield (north London), Mohammed Islam, has finally apologized to the city council for using his official status to support visa applications made by family members and friends. A clearly prohibited approach, which led the conduct committee to consider, in August, that he had “undermined” his function.

Suspended from the Labor Party and now an independent advisor, Islam had nevertheless taken months to comply with the committee’s requests. He was required to issue a written apology, undergo code of conduct training and stop wearing his former mayor’s badge — which he continued to do despite the ban. On November 17, municipal officials even expressed their irritation at his lack of cooperation. The legal director, Terry Osborne, spoke of a “very disappointing” situation.

His mail finally arrived on November 21. Islam recognizes that his actions “did not live up to expectations” and that they may have undermined public confidence. He adds, however, that he intends to report to the mediator certain reservations about the way in which the disciplinary procedure was conducted. As a reminder, a mayor does not have the right to intervene with immigration authorities for the benefit of individuals. By writing letters to support visa applications, Islam had clearly exceeded the limits of his role.