Full Breakdown
Labour Councillor Hina Mir Convicted for Employing Illegal Immigrant
12/10/2025, 11:31:43 AM
Employment of an Illegal Immigrant
Hina Mir, a Labour councillor and former deputy mayor of Hounslow, has been convicted for employing an illegal immigrant, Himanshi Gongley, as a live-in nanny at her home in Feltham, west London. The court found that Mir hired Gongley, an Indian national whose student visa expired in March 2023, and paid her £1,200 a month in cash for childcare and household duties. The employment arrangement lasted until August 2024, during which Gongley was reportedly on call 24 hours a day for six days a week. The case came to light when Gongley flagged down a police car for help on August 28, 2024, leading to the discovery of her illegal residency status.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
In January 2024, Mir was convicted of hiring an illegal immigrant and subsequently fined £40,000, along with £3,620 in court costs, after an unsuccessful appeal at the City of London County Court. During the trial, Mir's defense claimed that Gongley was merely a "social visitor" who came to her home to "play video games, to watch TV and to chill." However, the court rejected this assertion, concluding that Gongley was indeed working in violation of immigration laws. Judge Stephen Hellman noted significant inconsistencies in Mir's testimony and expressed skepticism about her credibility, stating, “My educated reflection on the facts is that Ms Ria was probably telling the truth.”
Allegations of Abuse
In interviews with immigration authorities, Gongley alleged that she had been "physically abused" and felt "suicidal" during her time working for Mir. Adam Goodchild, an immigration officer, confirmed that Gongley was aware of her illegal status and had not attended university since her visa expired. Mir's representative contended that Gongley's claims were fabricated to gain immigration advantages, arguing that there was no substantial evidence to support the allegations of abuse.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The conviction has sparked significant political backlash, particularly from Conservative Party members. Jack Emsley, a Tory councillor, stated that Mir's positions as chair of the housing scrutiny panel and as a councillor were "untenable" and called for her removal from the Labour Party. Ron Mushiso, another Conservative councillor, emphasized the need for accountability, asserting that Mir's actions contributed to the challenges of addressing illegal immigration in the UK.
Official Responses and Suspension
Following her conviction, the Labour Party suspended Hina Mir, stating, "Cllr Hina Mir has been suspended by the Labour Party. We do not comment on any internal investigations." The decision now rests with the Labour Party regarding whether Mir should step down permanently from her role as a councillor.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a serious breach of the law, and residents rightly deserve a lot better.” — Jack Emsley, Tory Councillor
- “The fact that it is a serving councillor who is at the heart of this case, makes it even more extraordinary.” — Ron Mushiso, Tory Councillor
- “I find it unlikely she would have concocted the quite detailed evidence she gave at short notice after she had been arrested by the police.” — Judge Stephen Hellman
The case continues to unfold as the Labour Party deliberates on the next steps regarding Hina Mir's political future.
