'Humbled' Walsall and Bloxwich candidate says 'I stood for my principles'

Rachel Alexander
·2-min read

Just hours remain before the winners are announced in Walsall, where two seats are up for grabs. Contesting the Walsall and Bloxwich seat is independent candidate Councillor Aftab Nawaz.

The former leader of the Walsall Labour group left the party over its stance on Palestine. Councillor Nawaz said early this morning that he did not think he would win the seat but was proud to have stood for what he believed.

He said: “I don't know what the results are going to be. I don't think we're going to win. But I'm happy we've been able to stand for our principles and what we believe in.”

When asked if leaving the Labour Party has strengthened his chances, he responded ‘It’s not just about strength’. He said: “People think Keir Starmer's stance on Gaza and Palestine sees him as an enabler of some of the things that are happening there.

“Labour may win tonight because they've won across the country, but that doesn't mean there isn’t still anger out there for what their policies are on Gaza.”

Coun Nawaz promised to serve the people of Walsall and Bloxwich regardless of the outcome this morning. He added: “Even if I don't win, I will still continue to speak up for the people of Walsall and Bloxwich in my capacity as the leader of the independent group of councillors.”

He said residents had several concerns in the constituency. Councillor Nawaz said: “There’s the cost of living, the fact there's not many police on the streets, people are really worried about their bills and people want to be able to have an NHS that’s free from the private sector. They also want to see local voices heard.

“The difficulty in the party system, particularly now if we have such a large Labour majority, will she [Valerie Vaz] be a party voice or a local voice? We think she’ll be a party voice.

“It's not very often someone from Blakenall comes along and stands in the general election. It's something to be proud of.

“We’ve had a good team. They've all been passionate because they believe in the cause. I am really grateful and humbled by the support.”

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