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Arrested Green Candidate Wins St Leonard’s Seat, Turns Independent

5/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Saiqa Ali, Green Party candidate, was elected councillor for St Leonard’s ward on 7 May 2026.
She was arrested on 30 April 2026 under Section 19 of the Public Order Act for alleged racial-hatred offences.
Suspended by the Greens in April 2026, she remained on the ballot as a Green candidate because electoral law barred removal.
Labour leader Steve Reed criticised the party’s handling, prompting it to say Ali will sit as an independent councillor.

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Story summary

Saiqa Ali, Green Party candidate, was elected councillor for St Leonard’s ward on 7 May 2026.
She was arrested on 30 April 2026 under Section 19 of the Public Order Act for alleged racial-hatred offences.
Suspended by the Greens in April 2026, she remained on the ballot as a Green candidate because electoral law barred removal.
Labour leader Steve Reed criticised the party’s handling, prompting it to say Ali will sit as an independent councillor.