Jas Athwal (main image), the Labour MP who was shamed for renting out mouldy and unlicensed flats, has stood down as a councillor for Redbridge Council.

Labour London has confirmed that there will be a by-election in the Mayfield ward, which Athwal represented, on 27th March.

Last September, Athwal, who owns 15 rental flats - making him the biggest landlord in the House of Commons – faced calls to resign over the state of his rental homes. A BBC investigation uncovered ant infestations and black mould in seven rental properties he owns.

Athwal also admitted that his flats did not have the correct property licences required under the authority’s selective licensing scheme which he introduced as Redbridge Council leader. The investigation was embarrassing for Athwal particularly because in recent years, while holding the office of council leader, he often issued statements warning rogue landlords that they faced significant consequences.

Investigation call

London Renters Union had called for him to step down and wrote to the council, urging it to investigate him.

Athwal has since dismissed the agent responsible for managing the properties, Raymond Williams, and said he would reimburse any tenants who had spent money on repairs.

He was elected as the Labour MP for Ilford South last July, succeeding the party’s previous incumbent Sam Tarry, after serving as the leader of Redbridge Council for a decade. The move will not affect his role as an MP.

Labour is expected to confirm its candidates for the by-election later this week.