Independent Candidate Wais Challenges Keir Starmer in Holborn and St Pancras

Janomot Desk: Wais Islam, a former Respect and Labour councillor, has announced his candidacy as an independent in the upcoming general election for the Holborn and St Pancras constituency.

Islam, who has held prominent roles including Olympics Ambassador and Chairman of the Pensions and Investments Committee in Tower Hamlets, is taking a firm stand against Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer, primarily over Starmer's stance on the Gaza conflict.

Islam, aged 48 and born in Southwark like Starmer, has launched his campaign highlighting Starmer’s opposition to ceasefire motions in Parliament and his failure to condemn Israel's actions in Gaza, which Islam describes as war crimes and ethnic cleansing. He points to the significant loss of life and displacement in Gaza since October 7, with over 40,000 Palestinians killed and more than 2.2 million displaced.

A significant portion of the electorate in Holborn and St Pancras comprises Bangladeshis, Somalis, and other ethnic minorities who support a Gaza ceasefire and oppose the arms trade with Israel, which is currently under scrutiny at the International Court of Justice for plausible genocide.

Islam argues that this election is a crucial test of voters’ humanity, judgment, values, and ethics. He calls for voters to reject any candidate complicit in human rights violations and emphasizes the need for leadership that truly represents the community’s interests in Parliament.

In addition to his stance on Gaza, Islam pledges to address local issues such as environmental pollution, public services, employment, and crime. He also advocates for the UK to rejoin the European Union, criticizing Starmer’s handling of the Remain campaign and its aftermath.

Islam’s campaign highlights a grassroots movement, the Camden Gaza Ceasefire Campaign (CGCC), which he started with local residents in October 2023. He appeals to voters from all political backgrounds to consider him as a tactical vote to prevent Starmer from securing another term and potentially becoming Prime Minister.

Islam also criticizes Starmer's recent controversial remarks on Bangladeshi migrants, suggesting they have alienated many voters. He claims that Starmer’s correction attempts have not mitigated the damage, and that many in Camden are now planning to vote against him.

As the election approaches on July 4, Islam's campaign aims to restore voter power and provide an alternative to what he describes as Starmer’s divisive and destructive politics.

The candidates standing in the Holborn and St Pancras constituency for the upcoming 2024 UK general election are:

1. Keir Starmer (Labour Party)

2. Mehreen Malik (Conservative and Unionist Party)

3. Charlie Clinton (Liberal Democrats)

4. David Robert Stansell (Green Party)

5. John Poynton (UK Independence Party - UKIP)

6. Dave Roberts (Reform UK)

7. Tom Scripps (Socialist Equality Party)

8. Nick the Incredible Flying Brick (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party)

9. Andrew Feinstein (Independent)

10. Wais Islam (Independent)

11. Senthil Kumar (Independent)

12. Bobby "Elmo" Smith (Independent)

The election will be held on July 4, 2024.