Sir Robin Wales has been deselected as the Mayoral candidate for Newham LBC. 

After more than two decades running the authority, first as leader and then as directly elected mayor, he was toppled by councillor Rokhsana Fiaz, who won by 859 votes to 503. 

Speaking to the local paper, the Newham Recorder, Sir Robin said: ‘Being a Labour Mayor has been a great privilege and I want to thank all of those who have been with me throughout this journey, and all of those that helped on my campaign.

‘I am so proud of everything that my administration has achieved.

Cllr Fiaz said: ‘Let’s unite and work together for Labour’s success at the local elections in May. It’s time to be truly radical again and show what Labour can achieve for the many here in Newham.’ 

Sir Robin is the second London Labour leader to be ousted, following Haringey LBC leader Claire Kober’s decision to step down at the end of January. 

Photo: ©Robin Sones