Councillor Nasreen Shamima (Little Ilford) has issued a public statement regarding her suspension and subsequent resignation from the Newham Independents Party. It describes some extremely concerning behaviour by some of her former colleagues in the NIP group and their outside supporters.
DO WOMEN HAVE TO “SELL THEMSELVES” TO GET A POSITION?
Councillor Nasreen Shamima Breaks Her Silence on Disrespectful Remarks, Political Pressure and Her Resignation from Newham Independents
OFFICIAL PUBLIC STATEMENT | 7 NOVEMBER 2026
Dear Residents, Friends and Members of the Community,
Does a woman have to “sell herself” or compromise her dignity to earn a leadership position?
I never imagined that, as an elected female councillor, I would find myself having to confront such a degrading question. Should a woman’s hard work, dedication and achievements be reduced to humiliating accusations simply because she has earned a position of responsibility? And if this is how women are treated when they step into leadership, what message are we sending to our daughters and the next generation of female leaders?
Today, I am breaking my silence following my resignation from the Newham Independents Party (NIP) on 5 November 2026. I believe the residents who placed their trust in me deserve to understand why I made this difficult decision.
Let me make one thing absolutely clear: I have resigned from NIP, NOT from my position as an elected councillor. I remain your councillor for Little Ilford Ward, and I will continue serving you independently.
My dignity and integrity
I entered politics believing in democracy, fairness, transparency, equality and public service. I believed that a political movement founded on these principles would welcome questions, encourage independent thinking and respect the contributions of every elected representative.
Following my appointment as Community Neighbourhood Lead, I found myself at the centre of an internal political disagreement. My suitability was questioned, including how many people in Newham actually knew me. Instead of being encouraged to demonstrate my abilities, I felt that I was repeatedly being asked to justify my worth and defend my integrity.
What particularly shocked and distressed me was learning about an incident reportedly involving a senior male NIP councillor during a councillors’ pre-meeting on 2 November 2026, before the Full Council meeting. I was informed by colleagues that in a room attended predominantly by male councillors, with three female councillors also present, a senior male councillor had shouted that I had “sold myself” to obtain this position and for money. Although I was not present when the alleged remark was made and cannot independently verify the precise words used, learning that such words had reportedly been used about me was deeply humiliating and distressing.
I understand that one of my colleagues immediately stood up and strongly challenged the remark in my defence. I remain sincerely grateful for that support.
What exactly is a woman expected to sacrifice to be considered worthy of leadership? Her dignity? Her self-respect? Women work hard, make sacrifices and dedicate themselves to public service. Their achievements should be recognised on merit, not diminished through degrading insinuations.
My dignity is not negotiable. My integrity should not be casually questioned. And my right to be treated with respect should never depend on whether I agree with those in leadership.
In a political environment that remains largely male-dominated, if this is how a woman who has worked hard to earn a leadership position is treated, how can I possibly encourage other women to come forward and enter politics?
Political pressure, intimidation and lack of support
Throughout this difficult period, I raised genuine concerns about internal democratic procedures, transparency and the fair allocation of responsibilities. I believed these were legitimate questions that elected representatives should be able to discuss openly and respectfully. Instead, I increasingly felt that questioning decisions or offering constructive suggestions was being interpreted as disloyalty.
Since when did asking questions become a threat? Since when did having an independent opinion become an act of rebellion?
Following the publication of a video by the party leader, concerning my appointment, I began receiving threatening telephone calls, abusive messages, online bullying and humiliating comments from different directions. I have endured judgement, personal criticism and deeply hurtful question about my dignity, character and integrity. I cannot establish who encouraged or authorised these communications, but the timing of these events and the distress they caused me were deeply concerning.
The situation became so distressing that two of my councillor colleagues requested that the party leadership remove the video, recognising the impact these events were having on me.
A Senior colleague said that we were being spied and would continue to be monitored at certain occasions. These comments left me feeling deeply uncomfortable and intimidated. I entered politics to serve my community, not to live in fear of being watched, judged or subjected to personal intimidation.
I fully accept that elected representatives must be accountable. However, there is a fundamental difference between legitimate political accountability and making someone feel personally intimidated.
What disappointed me even further was the lack of personal support I felt from within my own political leadership. I had hoped for understanding, compassion and support during such a difficult time. I was particularly disappointed that the Deputy Leader did not reach out to check on my wellbeing, despite knowing the pressures women face in public life and the impact these events were having on me.
What made this experience even more painful was that councillors from other political parties reached out to express genuine concern and offer kindness, while I felt increasingly isolated within my own political group.
As women in politics, I believe we have a shared responsibility to support and encourage one another, particularly when facing situations that challenge our dignity and confidence. If we cannot stand together in moments of difficulty, how can we encourage more women to step forward into public life?
My attempts to resolve matters and my resignation
I repeatedly attempted to resolve matters privately through respectful dialogue. I did not seek confrontation or division.
During one meeting, which had been requested and arranged by a fellow councillor in an effort to resolve the situation, we were asked to hand over our mobile phones to the Party Leader so that we could neither contact anyone nor record the conversation. I felt uncomfortable with this request. During the meeting, I experienced what I perceived as shouting, pressure and intimidation from the leadership to give up my position; I had hoped for a constructive discussion and a fair resolution.
Instead, I left feeling that my concerns had not been properly heard and that I was being pressured to accept decisions with which I did not agree.
I had also felt that the disagreement extended beyond the position itself and involved differing views about how councillors should be selected for these responsibilities. I subsequently received a formal show-cause notice requiring a response within just one working day. Given the seriousness of the matters raised and the information requested, I asked for additional time to prepare a considered response. My request was refused.
On 2 November 2026, approximately two hours before the Full Council meeting, I received written notification that my NIP Council Group whip had been temporarily withdrawn pending investigation.
On 5 November 2026, after careful consideration, I voluntarily resigned from the Newham Independents Party. My resignation was entirely my own decision. It was not an admission of wrongdoing, nor was it a decision to abandon my responsibilities to residents.
I have since seen people questioning my loyalty to the Newham Independents banner. But I want to ask those people something. What does loyalty truly mean? Does loyalty mean remaining silent when you believe something is wrong? Does it mean agreeing with every decision, regardless of your conscience? Does it mean surrendering your independent judgement simply to remain accepted within a political group?
My experience was that agreement with the leadership was welcomed, while questions and alternatives suggestions could lead to someone being treated as a problem. I felt that saying “yes” was taken as a sign of being a good councillor, while disagreement could be viewed as a threat. That is not the political culture I believe in.
I respect the importance of collective responsibility and party discipline. But political discipline should never mean abandoning independent judgement, and loyalty should never require unquestioning obedience.
My loyalty has always been to the residents who elected me, not to unquestioning obedience to a political banner.
I will not allow myself to be controlled, silenced or reduced to anyone’s political puppet.
My commitment to women and the people of Little Ilford
Behind all these political events is a deeply personal experience. I am an elected representative, but I am also a human being. I am a woman, a wife and a mother.
I want my daughter, and every girl growing up in our community, to grow up knowing that her voice matters, that her dignity matters and that she should never have to compromise her self-respect to achieve her ambitions.
I want girls to know that they do not have to tolerate misogynistic treatment to succeed. If they are competent, work hard and care enough, their voices deserve to be heard and respected.
I recognise that politics involves disagreements and that others may have different perspectives on the events I have described. I am sharing my experience not to encourage hostility, abuse or division, but because I believe residents deserve an explanation for my resignation. I ask everyone to refrain from directing threats, harassment or personal abuse towards anyone involved.
To the residents of Little Ilford who placed their trust in me:
I AM STILL YOUR COUNCILLOR, AND I AM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.
I will continue listening to your concerns, representing your interests and working constructively to improve our community. I will work with anyone, regardless of political affiliation, where doing so benefits the people I represent.
I have resigned from NIP, but I have not resigned from my principles, my responsibilities or the people of Little Ilford.
I choose to move forward with dignity, independence and hope.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Councillor Nasreen Shamima Independent Councillor | Little Ilford Ward London Borough of Newham
