Veteran Newham mayor Sir Robin Wales backed for fifth term

The future of veteran Newham mayor Sir Robin Wales looked secure today after a local Labour ballot narrowly backed him to stand for a fifth term.

The mayor is directly elected by residents in Newham and Labour would be expected to win the 2018 election in what is a stronghold for the party.

With Sir Robin first taking up the post in 2002, critics argued an open selection within Labour would support dem-ocracy. Many also believe it is time the diverse borough gets a chance to vote for someone who is not a white man.

In the party ballot, a majority of local Labour members voted against automatic reselection but a majority of affiliated groups such as unions and the Fabians backed Sir Robin, and sources close to the mayor, 61, confirmed he intends to stand again in 2018. Labour councillors Kay Scoresby and John Whitworth have said they would challenge Sir Robin in an open contest.

Party member Sarah Ruiz said: “Sir Robin Wales is ignoring us and claiming victory on a technicality. It’s shameful.” A source close to the mayor said: “He has a huge mandate from Newham residents. He will be looking at putting himself forward again.”