Former Mayor sanctioned for using office to support visa applications

A former mayor of Enfield "broke the rules" and may have damaged the London borough's reputation after using his position to support visa applications for friends and family.

Details: 15.Aug.2025

Members of the Councillor Conduct Committee concluded on Tuesday (12 August) that Cllr Mohammad Islam, who served as Mayor of Enfield from 2024 to 2025, should write a written apology, not wear a badge denoting he had been Mayor and directed him not to use his position as a councillor to support any further visa applications.

The complaint, which was made by the council's leader, Cllr Ergin Erbil, raised concern that the former mayor "may have unintentionally brought his office into disrepute" by using the office of the Mayor to support visa applications for his "friends and family, contrary to the advice of officers and for reasons not connected with the borough".

The Home Office had previously contacted the council over concerns the Government department had over a letter that had been sent to them that was included as a supporting document in a visa application, according to a report considered by the Councillor Conduct Committee.

The Home Office wished to confirm the legitimacy of the letter and whether the council had approved it.

The committee's findings also followed an investigation by CH&I Associates, which found evidence that supported breaches of paragraphs 7.1(v), 7.1(ix) and paragraph 7.2 of the Councillor Code of Conduct, namely:

7.1(v) You should not use or attempt to use your position as a member improperly to confer on or secure for yourself or any other person, an advantage or disadvantage

Related Articles

London Councils urges government to reconsider key elements of plans to reform council funding, highlighting need to accurately measure “high levels of deprivation” in capital

LGA calls for transitional protections for councils that will lose out through Fair Funding Review

County and rural council taxpayers to shoulder cost of funding reforms, county councils claim

Complaints to Public Services Ombudsman for Wales jump 43% in single year to record levels

EHRC defends approach to updating code of practice in light of Supreme Court ruling on interpretation of Equality Act

7.1(ix) You should not conduct yourself in a manner which could reasonably be regarded as bringing your office or authority into disrepute.

7.2. You shall observe the following rules when using the resources of the Authority, or authorising the use of those resources by others:

Act in accordance with the Authority’s reasonable requirements including
the requirements of its ICT policy and the policies listed in the Constitution which you are deemed to have read and understood.
Ensure that such resources are not used improperly for political purposes (including party political purposes).
Have regard to any applicable Local Authority Code of Publicity made under the Local Government Act 1986.

A spokesperson for the council confirmed that the committee sanctioned Cllr Islam, adding: “The Councillor Conduct Committee looked into the complaint and decided that Councillor Islam broke the rules and may have damaged the Council’s reputation.”

Cllr Islam has been approached for comment.

Adam Carey