At a glance
• Communities Secretary Steve Reed said he is ‘appalled’ that London councillors are campaigning to become MPs in Bangladesh
• Tower Hamlets councillors Sabina Khan and Ohid Ahmed are standing for the Bangladesh National Party while still serving in London
• The government and council stressed councillors must prioritise their local duties, though UK law does not forbid them running for office abroad
The cabinet minister in charge of local government has said he is “appalled” that serving London councillors are campaigning to become MPs in another country.