New mayor stands down over wife's controversial past

Shortly after Cllr Varinder Singh-Bola announced his new position last week, it was revealed his wife Mundill Mahil had once lured a man to his grisly death and served three years in prison.

Ms Mahil’s conviction or grievous bodily harm in 2012 came after she enticed 21-year-old Gagandip Singh to her student flat in Brighton.

Mr Singh was then beaten over the head by another man, tied up and thrown into the back of a Mercedes which was set alight.

Ms Mahil was sentenced to six years behind bars for grievous bodily harm in 2012, but was released on licence in 2014. She married Cllr Singh-Bola in 2016.

After these relevations about his wife’s past made national headlines, today Cllr Singh Bola has decided to step down from the role “in the interest of his family.”

In a statement, Redbridge’s Labour Group said: “Today, Cllr Varinder Singh-Bola has decided that in the interest of his family he will withdraw his nomination for Mayor of Redbridge in the next municipal year 2019/20.”

Cllr Singh-Bola said: “I have taken time and reflected on the events of the past weekend and the concerns of my family, friends and colleagues and have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for the Mayoralty of Redbridge.

“The Redbridge Mayoralty is a hugely important and distinguished position and one which I do not wish to do undue harm by allowing it to become mired in controversy.

“I stand united with my beloved wife and my wider family. They have always loved and supported me and now it is my time to shield them from public speculation and hearsay.”

Cllr Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council and of Redbridge’s Labour group, said: “I accept Cllr Singh-Bola’s decision to withdraw his nomination, we will now move on and look at further candidates for Mayor of Redbridge in 2019/20”.

Redbridge Labour group confirmed neither it, Cllr Singh-Bola nor Cllr Athwal would be making any further comment on the matter.