Law Firm Run By Labour's Wimbledon Candidate Closed After Probe

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There is "reason to suspect dishonesty" says regulating body

The law firm run by Labour's Wimbledon election candidate has been closed down because there is reason to "suspect dishonesty".

The decision has been made against Imran Uddin, who is also Merton Borough Councillor for St Helier ward, by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

It says it has made the decision after investigating Mr Uddin's practice, Crescent Law, of London Road, Morden.

The authority says the basis of its decision to close the practice was because "there is reason to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Uddin in connection with this practice as a solicitor".

It has decided to "intervene" to protect the interest of clients, including former and potential clients.

Nigel Coates, of Russell-Cooke, Putney Hill, has been appointed as an "intervening agent".

Wimbledon Labour Party issued the following statement: "We are obviously very disappointed to have learned of the situation in the past few days and we have written formally to Cllr Uddin seeking clarification. Until we have further information we must reserve judgement and can make no comment on the action taken by the SRA."

• In yesterday's election, Imran Uddin was runner-up to Conservative Stephen Hammond, but he did increase Labour's share of the vote. He received 18,324 votes (36%) compared with Mr Hammond's 23,946 (46%).

June 9, 2017