Pair want change of mind

SUPPORT . . . Ali Salamat

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Two Oldham Labour councillors who were dropped by their party will appeal tonight to regional officials to be allowed to stand again.

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

Tonight, they hope to make three regional party executives change their minds.

Councillor Salamat, who is currently a St Mary’s ward councillor, was convicted of claiming £295 in council tax benefits while working as a taxi driver, reduced to £15 on appeal.

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 he had widespread support from Oldham’s Labour councillors, and his constituents, which he would take to his appeal.