Pair dropped by Labour selectors

Date published: 16 December 2008

TWO controversial Oldham councillors will not be able to stand as Labour candidates in the 2010 local elections.

Ali Salamat and Asaf Ali have failed to be selected for the candidates’ panel, chosen by members of the North-West regional Labour party.

Ali Salamat, currently a St Mary’s ward councillor, was convicted of claiming £295 in council tax benefits while working as a taxi driver.

He was involved in a crash in January, 2005, and signed a police statement saying he had worked as a taxi driver for eight months, before insisting that he had made a mistake and had only been working for two weeks.

The former Lib-Dem councillor was dropped by the party in 2005 when the benefit fraud enquiry began. He then became an independent and joined Labour after the 2007 elections.

Asaf Ali resigned from the Labour party to become an independent in March, citing personal reasons.

The Alexandra ward councillor was arrested in 2007 and investigated over the rape of a 16-year-old girl.

He admitted sex with her, but said it was consensual and no charges were brought.

The married father of three stepped down from his duties as junior whip and chairman of the overview and scrutiny panel when the allegations came to light.

Councillor Ali said: “I was interviewed by a panel of independent interviewers, they recommended that I not be put on the panel of candidates for 2010, I will be exercising my right to appeal.”

Councillor Salamat did not want to comment but did confirm that he would be appealing the decision.

Joe Fitzpatrick, chairman of the District Labour Party, confirmed neither councillor had been selected but would not comment further.

It is understood both Salamat and Ali intend to appeal to the regional Labour party.