Full Breakdown
Saiqa Ali Wins Lambeth Council Seat Amid Antisemitism Allegations
5/11/2026, 11:03:45 PM
Election Outcome and Immediate Status
Saiqa Ali was elected councillor for St Leonard’s ward in Lambeth on 7 May 2026. Though suspended by the Green Party in April over alleged antisemitic posts, electoral law kept her name on the ballot, so she will sit as an independent pending police investigation.
Background, Data & Key Figures
The Metropolitan Police arrested Ali and Sabine Mairie in late April over alleged antisemitic posts; the Green Party suspended several candidates. Sky News put the Greens’ national-equivalent vote at 14 % in the local elections, down from 18 % in earlier polls. Key figures include Ali, Sabine Mairie, the Lambeth Greens spokesperson, Labour Housing Secretary Steve Reed, and LSE commentator Tony Travers.
Official Statements & Responses
The Lambeth Greens spokesperson said the party remains anti-racist and has internal processes to investigate conduct that breaches its values, but declined comment while the police investigation proceeds. Labour’s Steve Reed said the Greens failed to act decisively on the antisemitism allegations. Ali told the BBC she is “genuinely honoured” by voters, denies the posts, and urges constituents to judge her by her two-decade charity record.
Criticism & Opposition
Labour used a viral image of Sabine Mairie leafleting to underscore antisemitism concerns, and an elderly Lambeth voter said the allegations would deter them from voting Green. The Spectator called Ali and other candidates “racist” and warned the “Greenshirt” wing could impede cooperation with liberal parties.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on Sabine Mairie’s suspension, with some reports seeing her at the count, and on Ifhat Shaheen’s status, which remains unclear. The number of arrested versus merely accused candidates also varies. No final legal outcome has been announced.
What’s Next
The police investigation continues under the Public Order Act; if charges are filed, the council standards committee may consider removal. The Green Party has pledged to tighten candidate vetting before future elections.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Green Party is an anti-racist party, and we have robust internal processes to look into any conduct which is not in line with our values.” — Lambeth Greens spokesperson
- “We cannot comment further while a police investigation is ongoing.” — Lambeth Greens spokesperson
- “unequivocally rejects antisemitism in all its forms” — Saiqa Ali, interview
