As Labour’s grip on the Muslim vote weakens, independent candidates are emerging to provide an alternative for this disgruntled voter base.
Islam Channel was in Luton to follow the campaigns of two independent candidates Attiq Malik and Toqueer Shah, who are running for Luton South and Luton North, respectively. Both those seats are currently held by Labour.
Shah cites his motivation as combating the ruling narrative of right-wing politics and Islamophobia.
The Palestinian cause and Gaza is a pivotal issue in the area with both candidates appealing to the electorate on this front.
But local matters remain a key priority too, as the candidates note. “England is one of the richest countries in the world, yet Luton and many other towns and cities around this country have child poverty,” says Malik.
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