ANDREW PIERCE: New problems over Gaza for Keir Starmer as Shamima Begum’s lawyer criticises frontbencher Rushanara Ali for abstaining on the ceasefire vote with insiders fearing he could topple the MP if he runs as an independent

Last week, Sir Keir Starmer endured the biggest revolt of his leadership when 56 of his MPs – including eight frontbenchers – defied the whips to vote in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza.

But the Labour leader’s problems over the war may only be beginning. Frontbencher Rushanara Ali abstained from the vote, prompting an extraordinary outburst from prominent lawyer Mohammed Akunjee, whose clients include Shamima Begum, the Isis bride in Syria fighting in the English courts to restore her citizenship, which was revoked in 2019 on security grounds.

Akunjee proclaimed on social media: ‘Rushanara Ali – what did your leader promise you for your silence and complicity? Rushanara Ali needs to be replaced.’ In another post, he said: ‘She needs to pack her bags. Vote her out.’

Despite Ms Ali sitting on a 37,500-strong majority in her Bethnal Green and Bow constituency, Labour insiders fear she may be ousted by the charismatic Akunjee, who is thought to be considering running as an Independent in the constituency at the next General Election.

Last week, Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) endured the biggest revolt of his leadership when 56 of his MPs – including eight frontbenchers – defied the whips to vote in favour of a ceasefire in Gaza

Frontbencher Rushanara Ali abstained from the vote, prompting an extraordinary outburst from prominent lawyer Mohammed Akunjee, whose clients include Shamima Begum

Shamima Begum (pictured) is the Isis bride in Syria fighting in the English courts to restore her citizenship, which was revoked in 2019 on security grounds

The seat in Tower Hamlets, in London’s East End – once a proud Labour stronghold – is already convulsed in political turmoil. Last year, its council was captured by the Aspire party, whose 24 councillors are all Bangladeshi-heritage Muslims.

The council and Aspire leader Lutfur Rahman – who has also joined marches demanding a ceasefire – is considering whether to field candidates across the country in areas where there is a large Muslim vote. Akunjee, were he to join Aspire, would be a huge feather in Rahman’s cap.

My Labour mole confides: ‘Akunjee is becoming more direct in his challenge to the party. In safe seats like Bethnal Green, we shouldn’t have to lift a finger. But if he stands, we’ll have to divert resources from marginal seats.’

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