Specially convened for petition An Election Court is convened to hear a petition against the result of a local government or parliamentary election. It is created to hear the case, and ceases to exist when it has made its decision. www.electoralcommission.org.uk Early warning system Whitechapel Watch manager Chris Jones says residents should have a smoke alarm on every level of their home. see below News News in brief Motorcyclist dies A MOTORCYCLIST has died after a collision with a lorry in Westferry on the Isle of Dogs. Police were called to West India Dock Road at about 8.15pm on Monday, February 2 where they found the motorcyclist with serious head injuries. Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance attended but the man, aged in his forties, was pronounced dead at the scene a short while later. The driver of the lorry was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was taken to an east London police station for questioning. Detectives from the serious collision investigation unit are urging witnesses and anyone with information to call 8991 9555 quoting CAD 8364/2 February or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Mum to the rescue FIREFIGHTERS praised a quickthinking mum who ensured she and her children escaped their flat uninjured when a fire broke out in the early hours of last Thursday, February 5. Crews from Whitechapel, Bethnal Green and Dowgate attended the fire in Swedenborg Gardens, Shadwell but the blaze was out by the time they arrived. Whitechapel Watch manager Chris Jones said having a working smoke alarm aided the family’s escape. Election Court hearing begins of corrupt and illegal practices, directly or through his agents.” Mr Hoar said his clients were accusing Mr Rahman of “election fraud”. Allegations include “personation” in postal voting and at polling stations, and ballot paper tampering. But Duncan Penny QC, for Mr Rahman, told the court: “There is little if any evidence of personal wrongdoing by Rahman.” Mr Penny described the group of four’s claims as “invention”, “exaggeration” and “in some cases downright deliberately false allegations”. He said the “one aim” was to unseat a “directly elected mayor”. Mr Mawrey said if allegations were found to have been proved he could declare the election void and conclude Mr Rahman had not been elected mayor. The court was also told Mr Rahman could be barred from public office for a period of years. Returning officer welcomes Witnesses give evidence withdrawal of allegations The hearing was told on Wednesday that Helal Abbas, also a former leader of the council, expressed concerns Mr Rahman was being “brainwashed” by members of a Muslim fundamentalist organisation before he became mayor. One petitioner, Miss Simone, said she joined the court bid to unseat Mr Rahman because others wanted to but were too afraid to come forward. LANDLORDS Does Your Agent Have? Licensed ARLA member for lengs? Licensed NAEA member for sales? ? We offer Rent Guarantee 0% Commission Sell your Property 1% Commission 8 Vallance Road, London E1 5HR 0207 375 1188 / 079 4487 2919 (line open 9am-11pm) www.primeestateagents.co.uk admin@primeestateagents.co.uk Members of: hearing expected to last several weeks. Francis Hoar, for the petitioners, told Mr Mawrey that his clients were challenging the election of Mr Rahman as mayor of Tower Hamlets on May 22, 2014. He added: “The allegations against Lutfur Rahman are that he was guilty SEVERAL people were called to give evidence in support of the petitioners during the first week of the hearing. London Assembly member John Biggs, who is a former leader of the council and who stood in last year’s mayoral election, said in a written witness statement that allegations had been made against him by Mr Rahman and some of his supporters, including that he was a racist. “I believe these false statements were deliberately made, in the knowledge that they were false, in order to polarise opinion and to attempt to influence the election result,” Mr Biggs said. He said he had always campaigned against racism and would defy anybody to argue that he had not. INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY GRILL & INDIAN CUISINE Banquet Night £9.95 Every Mon to Thurs (From 5pm-Midnight) Full Course Meal Valentine Day Dining in offer - 4 Course Meal Sunday Buffet £8.95 12pm unl 11.30pm (Eat as much as you like, 30 items to choose from on our set menu) £8.95 The group wants the May 2014 mayoral poll, which saw Mr Rahman elected for a second term, declared void and for the election to be re-run. Evidence is being outlined to Election Commissioner Richard Mawrey – a senior lawyer sitting as a judge – at a Free Home Delivery Available (3 mile radius) with orders £12.00 or more Free bole of Coke/Lemonade with delivery orders £20.00 or more Open 7 days a week: Mon–Sat: (including Bank Holidays) 5.00pm–12Midnight; Sun: 12pm–11.30pm 501 Roman Road, Bow, London E3 5LX 020 8983 4301 / 020 8983 5341 15% off on all online orders Visit: www.chilligarlic.com | Also order via Just Eat. Visit: www.just-eat.co.uk/restaurants-chilligarlic-e3 BY PRESS ASSOCIATION THE Election Court being held to investigate allegations against Mayor Lutfur Rahman of electoral fraud last May has been hearing evidence from residents supporting the petition. The first day of the hearing on Monday, February 2 was told that allegations of wrongdoing had been dropped against the council’s returning officer John Williams. Four people – Andy Erlam, Debbie Simone, Azmal Hussein and Angela Moffat –have mounted a challenge under the provisions of the 1983 Representation of the People Act at the special High Court hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice. Mr Erlam stood as a candidate in the local council elections last May in the Bow East ward and Miss Simone stood in the Canary Wharf ward. ALLEGATIONS made against the council’s returning officer, John Williams, as part of the Election Petition were withdrawn on the first day of the hearing. Mr Williams said: “I welcome the decision of the petitioners to withdraw any allegations against myself and my staff. “I have always maintained • 3/5 years Leasing option • No void period • No Management fee those allegations were without foundation.” He added: “I am pleased that the petitioners accept that this election was conducted in accordance with the law and that I acted in an entirely professional manner throughout. “I will continue to do anything I can to assist the court in determining the remaining matters that it has to consider.” CASH INCENTIVE FOR LANDLORDS* £1500 1, 2, 3, 4 bedroom flats/houses wanted • Monies paid instantly upon signing T&C Applies. RENT GUARANTEED 52 WEEKS OF THE YEAR 789 Commercial Road, London E14 7HG t 020 7538 8887 Lines open 24 hours info@metropolitanandcrown.com www.metropolitanandcrown.com Did you know? 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