Birmingham Political Activists Launch Independent Alliance Against Labour
Two of Birmingham's most controversial political figures are spearheading a major independent movement ahead of the city council elections, backing candidates including a convicted terrorist and pledging to dismantle Labour's longstanding dominance in the city.
Akhmed Yakoob, the solicitor known as the 'TikTok lawyer,' and property developer turned activist Shakeel Afsar have combined their financial resources and social media influence to support a wave of independent candidates challenging Labour in multiple wards.
Controversial Candidate Selection Sparks National Outrage
Among their endorsed candidates is Shahid Butt, who served a five-year prison sentence in Yemen for terrorism-related offenses. Butt has consistently denied involvement in terrorism, claiming he was tortured into a false confession. His candidacy in Sparkhill has generated significant controversy, with calls for his disqualification from public office.
The duo has formed an electoral pact with George Galloway's Workers' Party to avoid splitting the anti-Labour vote, strategically coordinating candidate selection across Birmingham's inner-city constituencies.
Targeting Traditional Voting Patterns
Yakoob and Afsar are specifically targeting what they describe as global majority areas of Birmingham, urging voters to abandon traditional voting loyalties. They criticize what they call 'biraderi' voting patterns - patriarchal kinship networks originating from Pakistan and Bangladesh that they claim have maintained Labour's grip on power through bloc voting.
"They are not your friends, they have done nothing for us, they have used us," Afsar declared, summarizing their message to Birmingham communities. "Choose people you can trust in."
Defending Controversial Positions
During an extensive interview, the pair defended their records on several contentious issues. They confirmed their strong anti-Zionist stance regarding Israel's actions in Gaza while insisting they are not antisemitic. "We are anti the Israeli establishment," Yakoob stated. "But the Jewish community are our brothers."
They also addressed accusations of misogyny, with Afsar noting they have female candidates including one who wears traditional niqab. However, Yakoob added his personal view that "if finances allow it, then you don't need your women to go out and provide for you," suggesting women might prefer domestic roles.
School Protests and Legal Controversies
Afsar first gained prominence leading protests against LGBT equality teaching at Anderton Park Primary School in Sparkhill, a campaign he continues to defend. "We believe that all children should be taught about the diverse society that exists here," he said, "without infringing on any protected characteristic."
Both activists face ongoing legal scrutiny. Yakoob is currently on bail over allegations of abusing a police officer, while both were questioned by police regarding the burning of an Israeli flag. They deny any wrongdoing in these matters.
Electoral Strategy and Community Focus
The independent alliance comprises three groups: the Independent Candidate Alliance, Birmingham Community Independents, and the Workers' Party. While sharing core values, candidates will not be "whipped" into specific positions, remaining accountable primarily to their constituents.
Key campaign issues highlighted include Birmingham's alarming child poverty rates, deteriorating street conditions, high crime levels, and insufficient community support services. Afsar criticized Labour's management of city funds, citing the £300 million loss on the Olympic Village development as money that could have addressed pressing social needs.
Language and Representation Standards
The duo emphasized their preference for candidates who "speak English well and are well educated," criticizing what they see as inadequate representation from some current councillors. "There is no point in having people representing us who can't speak English well," Yakoob asserted, acknowledging this position has caused friction within their own communities.
They envision candidates with business backgrounds who understand financial management, contrasting them with what they describe as traditional councillors more interested in photo opportunities than substantive community work.
Looking Beyond Local Elections
Neither Yakoob nor Afsar are standing in the May council elections themselves, instead focusing on building a broader movement. "We felt that we would sacrifice us, not standing in the council election, to able to prop up another 50 or 60 candidates," Yakoob explained.
Their eyes remain set on future general elections, with both considering parliamentary bids. They frame their current efforts as awakening Birmingham communities to political possibilities beyond traditional party loyalties.
With 101 council seats contested on May 7th, and Labour currently holding 52 of Birmingham's council positions, this independent alliance represents one of the most significant challenges to the city's established political order in recent years.
