A Labour MP is facing calls to stand down over the state of his properties it’s claimed have been covered in “toxic mould” with one parent facing an “ant infestation”.
Labour’s Jas Athwal, MP for Ilford South, owns 15 properties which according to the BBC makes him the biggest landlord in the House of Commons.
An investigation by the news channel found black mould in some of the properties, with dirty and dark communal areas, fire alarms hanging loose from the ceiling, and ant infestations in a number of the seven flats in one block.
The embarrassing revelations have forced Sir Keir Starmer to publicly criticise his own MP, saying the situation needs fixing “as quickly as possible” and that it was “unacceptable”.
Hester Sullivan, a spokesperson for the London Renters’ Union (LRU) said: “Athwal left his tenants facing toxic mould and dangerous disrepair and has broken laws on licensing, which is a key part of the tenant safety system.
“Athwal has also admitted to refusing to let out properties to renters who receive housing benefit, a practice that prevents many low-income people from accessing adequate housing.”
The BBC reported that in one instance a parent had said an ant infestation was affecting their child.
Mr Athwal has dismissed the agent responsible for managing the properties, saying he was “shocked and sickened” by the series of problems and “furious” not to have been made aware of them earlier.
In a statement posted online on Sunday, Mr Athwal said: “As the landlord, the buck stops with me, and I unreservedly apologise to my tenants for the unacceptable experiences they have endured.
“I will be reimbursing every tenant that is out of pocket for repairs or renewals they have had to undertake. I will be conducting a survey of my tenants, so that all issues are uncovered and I am confident each one is living in secure, comfortable homes.”
According to the register of interests, Mr Athwal’s rental properties are “co-owned with (a) family member”.
Speaking about an MP in his own party, Sir Keir said: “It’s unacceptable for any landlord, and I’ll be really clear about that it doesn’t matter whether it’s a Labour MP or anybody else, it’s unacceptable.
“What’s happened in this case is this MP has now recognised that, is taking the necessary measures to put it right.
“The sooner that’s done, the better, but I’m not going to pretend to you or anybody else that this is in any way acceptable.”
Asked if he would strip the Labour whip from the MP if the problems were not resolved, Sir Keir said: “It has to be put right. He’s taking action to put it right, we need to do that as quickly as possible.”
The BBC reports Mr Athwal still holds a position as local councillor despite becoming an MP. On Saturday Redbridge Council’s Conservative leader Paul Canal called for him to step down from that role too.
A spokesperson said the council was committed to a “fair and consistent process for every landlord applying to the selective licensing scheme” and that it would “continue to work with landlords to ensure that they are compliant and their properties are in a condition suitable for tenants.”
