Newham (Parliament Politics Magaziner) – The Newham Independent Party won a crushing victory in Plaistow South, Newham Council, with Md Nazrul Islam securing 913 votes, becoming the 4th councillor and forming an official opposition.
As The Standard News reported, Labour has lost the Plaistow South council seat in Newham to the Pro-Palestine Newham Independent Party. Md Nazrul Islam won 913 votes, more than double the 436 votes of Labour’s Asheem Singh.
The seat became vacant after the death of Neil Wilson, a Labour councillor who served the ward for over 30 years. Other candidates trailed far behind. Lazar Monu from the Reform Party received 329 votes, the Green Party’s Nic Motte won 152 votes, and the Local Conservatives got 123 votes.
What led to Newham Independents’ victory in Plaistow South?
The Newham Independent Party campaigned on community issues and pro-Palestine policies. Voters responded with strong support for their candidate. Analysts say the result highlights voter dissatisfaction with traditional parties.
They mentioned that the victory could influence future local elections in Newham and similar areas. Labour faces a challenge to regain trust and reconnect with voters ahead of the upcoming council and national polls.
In a post on X, the Newham Independents described the win as a “stunning victory”, adding that the party
“will continue to build on this victory going into the elections in May 2026”.
Md Nazrul Islam’s win in Plaistow South makes him the 4th member of the Newham Independent Party on the council. With this result, the party now forms an official opposition, marking a significant change in the balance of power. Labour has been losing ground in London for some time, with several council by-elections going against the party since its general election victory in July 2024.
Across London, Green, Liberal Democrat, and Independent candidates are aiming to take advantage of voter frustration. Many residents are unhappy with Labour’s handling of the war in Gaza and rising household bills.
Following the general election in July 2024 in the UK, the Labour Party has suffered significant defeats in local council bye-elections in London. On 27 March 2025, Noor Jahan Begum of the Ilford Independents secured the Mayfield Ward in Redbridge with 1,080 votes, ahead of Labour’s candidate with 663 votes.
This was a significant change as Labour had held the ward since 2010. The loss pointed to doubt amongst Muslim voters, particularly in places like Ilford, where Labour’s approach to Gaza and its domestic record appeared to dampen confidence.
Across England, Wales, and Scotland, Labour has lost over 40% of council seats it defended in by-elections, with its vote share falling in 80% of contests. These results point to rising dissatisfaction with Labour’s leadership and policies, especially in communities that have historically supported the party.