Supporters of embattled Tower Hamlets LBC mayor Lutfur Rahman have held a rally as the Government threatens to intervene in the running of the council.

High-profile politicians including former London mayor Ken Livingstone and Respect MP George Galloway have backed Mayor Rahman. Both were among a crowd of about 1,000 people who attended the east London rally last night.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles has proposed sending three commissioners to intervene in the running of the council after inspectors found the authority was failing to deliver best value in a number of areas.

But supporters of Mayor Rahman argue that Mr Pickles should respect his democratic election earlier this year and accused him of trying to ‘smear’ a popular local politician.

For full coverage of the rally, visit www.themj.co.uk/Rahman-supporters-defend-mayor-against-takeover/198823 and for extensive coverage of Tower Hamlets LBC visit www.themj.co.uk/Tower-Hamlets.