Independent councillor Linda Lusingu says false claims by former cabinet member Ammar Naqvi point to wider issues for Barnet Labour

The recent revelations resulting in the resignation of Ammar Naqvi, a former prominent figure in Barnet Labour, have sent shockwaves through the local political landscape, raising serious questions about integrity, accountability, and leadership.

For many who have experienced false allegations and disciplinary injustices within the Labour Party, confirmation that Naqvi misrepresented his employment history for over a decade is both vindication and a sobering reminder of a broader cultural problem within certain factions of the party.

Naqvi’s falsehoods, confirmed by recent reports, have not only tarnished his own reputation but also cast a shadow over Barnet Labour’s internal processes. Given the various influential roles Naqvi held, including acting as a political agent for key figures in both Council and General elections, there is reason to suspect that the true extent of his deception may remain concealed. This incident underscores a troubling culture of unchecked power, entitlement, and a lack of accountability that appears to have permeated parts of Barnet Labour.

Naqvi’s influence extended far beyond his fabricated credentials. His roles within the Labour group gave him significant sway over campaign strategies and operations. He also had influence over internal party matters. Yet, the glaring failure to verify his claims raises critical questions: How was this deception sustained for so long? Who, if anyone, within the Labour group knew about his dishonesty? And why were no mechanisms in place to identify, investigate and apply appropriate sanctions for such misconduct?

These questions point to a systemic issue within the party. Naqvi was blatantly dishonest about his qualifications, and it can be inferred that he believed that he was above scrutiny, reflecting an environment where false allegations against others were commonplace, but accountability for those perpetuating such tactics was conspicuously absent.

For years, Barnet Labour members have reported being targeted by baseless accusations, often initiated by individuals who wield significant internal influence. The damage caused by these practices has been profound, with individuals suffering from tarnished reputations, un-recoverable legal costs, deteriorating mental health, and even professional setbacks. That Naqvi has now been exposed for fabricating his own credentials serves as a bitter irony to those he sought to undermine.

This saga also raises concerns about the role of council leader Barry Rawlings and potentially other senior figures who appointed him to the post of cabinet member responsible for finance. Whether Rawlings was unaware of Naqvi’s deception or chose to ignore it, his leadership should now be under scrutiny. The lack of due diligence and oversight can only be one of two things: negligence or complicity.

Naqvi’s resignation comes at a time when Barnet Labour is facing mounting challenges. Since gaining control of the council two years ago, the administration has struggled with financial mismanagement, the resignation of key directors, and a pervasive sense of uncertainty at Town Hall. Staff redundancies, the closure of food banks, and the risk to critical services have left residents disillusioned.

In his Burnt Oak ward, where residents are already grappling with significant socio-economic challenges, the fallout from this scandal is particularly unwelcome. These communities need competent and accountable representation, not distractions caused by internal dysfunction and scandals.

Naqvi’s exposure offers an opportunity for introspection—not just for him, but for those who enabled his deception to go unchecked and perpetuated a toxic culture that allowed such deception to flourish.

To regain the trust of residents, Barnet Labour must prioritise transparency, enforce strict accountability measures, and ensure that its representatives uphold the values they are elected to represent. Anything less risks further eroding public confidence and leaving the residents of Barnet to shoulder the consequences of political mismanagement.

Linda Lusingu is an independent councillor for Friern Barnet ward. She was elected as a Labour member in 2022 and suspended by the party in January 2023. Barnet Labour was approached for comment on this letter and declined to do so. Ammar Naqvi declined to comment on the original story regarding his falsehoods and has not responded to invitations to comment since.

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