For Immediate Release
Tower Hamlets Labour councillors have criticised Mayor Lutfur Rahman and the Aspire administration for failing to support a motion that would have safeguarded the long-term future of Mudchute Farm.
At the last Full Council meeting (17 July), Labour councillors backed a petition from the Mudchute calling for the council to urgently confirm secure lease and rent arrangements for the much-loved community farm.
Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Mufeedah Bustin, proposed a motion that would have committed the council to offer a suitable long-term lease and rent agreement to Mudchute Farm- ensuring its future for generations to come.
However, Aspire councillors, backed by Mayor Rahman, voted to gut the motion, removing its core commitments and replacing them with vague promises of “a letter of support from the Mayor.”
Cllr Mufeedah Bustin, who moved the original motion, said:
“Mudchute Farm is a unique and much-loved community organisation that provides education, recreation and green space to thousands of Tower Hamlets residents. What it needs is a secure lease and sustainable rent- what it got instead was political posturing and empty words from this administration.”
Labour councillors praised the three petitioners who spoke passionately at the meeting, highlighting the value of Mudchute and the uncertainty the organisation faces due to the council’s delays. It was revealed that the Association has tried repeatedly to engage with the Mayor and council officers to discuss the lease, without success.
Cllr Sirajul Islam, Leader of the Labour Group, said:
“Time and again we hear from valued local organisations struggling with lease uncertainty, unanswered emails and silence from this Mayor. Whether it’s Mudchute Farm, Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, the Attlee Centre or the Stifford Centre, the Aspire administration is failing to support the very organisations that hold our communities together. Residents deserve better.”
The Labour Group has pledged to continue standing up for the borough’s community organisations and will keep pushing for fair leases, affordable rents, and long-term support for groups serving the public good.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Mudchute Farm is a city farm located on the Isle of Dogs and is one of the largest urban farms in Europe.
- The petition presented to Full Council on 17 July can be found here: 5 – ReportPetitionstoCouncil 16.07.25.pdf
- The Mudchute Association’s campaign is available here: Mudchute Park & Farm | Facebook
- Labour councillors have previously raised concerns about other local organisations facing lease and rent difficulties under the Aspire administration.