The investigation into Mohammad Islam’s conduct centres around his role as mayor during the last year, reports James Cracknell

Mohammad Islam pictured during his former role as Enfield mayor (credit Enfield Council)

A former Enfield mayor has been suspended by the Labour Party pending the outcome of an investigation into his conduct, the Dispatch can reveal.

Mohammad Islam, who served in the civic role representing the borough for the twelve months prior to May this year, was last week suspended by Labour and had the party whip removed. It means he now serves as an independent councillor.

The Dispatch has since been able to verify that the investigation relates directly to Cllr Islam’s conduct as mayor and goes back several months.

The result of the internal civic centre investigation is likely to be revealed in the next few weeks at a public conduct hearing, the Dispatch also understands.

Asked for more details about his suspension and the nature of the conduct alleged against him, Cllr Islam declined to comment.

The role of mayor in Enfield is only a civic one and does not carry any decision-making powers in terms of council policies, although it does involve chairing full council meetings. Typically mayors are invited to represent the borough at various local events, while they are also required to nominate a chosen charity for which funds are raised throughout the year.

Two years after being elected as a councillor to represent Ponders End in 2022, when Cllr Islam was voted to become mayor by his colleagues in May 2024 he held back tears as he thanked his family and fellow councillors.

At the time, he said: “I’m proud and honoured to stand here as the elected mayor of this great and vibrant borough of ours. My fellow councillors bestow a great privilege and honour upon me and I express my sincere appreciation for placing your trust in me.”

The council leader at the time, Nesil Caliskan, praised Cllr Islam and said she had “no doubt” that “the commitment he has shown to residents will be the same level he shows in the role as mayor”.

Cllr Islam was also praised as being a “kind man” by opposition Conservatives at the time he became mayor.

Current council leader Ergin Erbil was also approached regarding Cllr Islam’s suspension but declined to comment.

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