British Palestinian runs against Labour MP in Ilford

Leanne Mohamad, a British-Palestinian political activist, has been voted in to take on Wes Streeting, a Labour MP for the town of Ilford in East London, in the upcoming parliamentary elections this year.

Mohamad won a live hustings vote in the constituency on Sunday.

The Labour Party has seen a significant drop in support from Muslim communities since the war in Gaza began, a decrease largely attributed to the party's pro-war stance and support of Israel's military campaign in the besieged enclave.

"[Wes Streeting] did not vote on the Boycott Bill today. Happy to waive through a bill which opposes BDS - an effective tool to pressure Israel to end its illegal occupation," said the Redbridge Community Action Group, a grassroots organisation supporting Mohamad's candidacy.

"He didn’t vote for a ceasefire either. It’s high time for an independent MP!"

Streeting also serves as the shadow secretary for health and social care.