Pro-Palestinian Activist

Pro-Palestinian Activist Challenges Wes Streeting in Ilford North Election

Leanne Mohamad, a pro-Palestinian activist, has been selected as an independent parliamentary candidate to challenge Wes Streeting in the Ilford North seat in London. The decision comes amid increasing dissatisfaction with Labour’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Having been elected as MP for Ilford North in 2019, Streeting currently holds a majority of just over 5,000.

The Redbridge Community Action Group, organizing a hustings event where Mohamad was selected, expressed its commitment to presenting a candidate who prioritizes key issues such as Palestine, the NHS, racism, Islamophobia, and the cost of living crisis. The group aims to enhance voter engagement by encouraging a higher voter turnout.

The selection of Leanne Mohamad adds complexity to Wes Streeting’s re-election campaign, as it underscores the challenging environment shaped by discontent over Labour’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Last year, on November 5, hundreds of activists demonstrated outside Streeting’s Ilford North Office to protest Labour’s stance on the conflict.

Labour initially faced criticism for not immediately calling for a ceasefire following Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, which was in response to a terror attack by Hamas on October 7. Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, received backlash for comments suggesting support for Israel cutting off power and water in Gaza during an LBC interview. These remarks led to resignations among Labour councillors and discontent among party MPs, including those on the front benches.

However, in the past month, both Sir Keir Starmer and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak aligned in calling for a sustainable ceasefire, indicating a shift in Labour’s position on the matter.

_{Repurposed article originally published in the Standard}