L Rahman poised for reelection in Tower Hamlets

An independent mayor in the east London borough of Tower Hamlets was on the verge of a surprising re-election victory on Saturday despite an official government inquiry into his handling of the borough's finances. Bangladeshi-born Lutfur Rahman, standing under a Tower Hamlets First ticket, was close to fighting off a challenge from Labour candidate John Biggs amid claims that the incumbent was the victim of a campaign by the media to keep him out of office, reports The Guardian. Victory will ensure that the Bangladeshi-born mayor will maintain control of a £1.2-billion budget. Last month, the community’s secretary sent in auditors to scrutinise his administration following claims that he is favouring his associates and the Bangladeshi and Somali communities with grants and the sale of council property, according to a news agency.