The Tower Hamlets Independent Group (THIG) is the main political opposition to the Council of Tower Hamlets in east London.
Lutfur Rahman, founder of Tower Hamlets First, came under fire in 2014–2015 for various charges of corruption and electoral fraud. Tower Hamlets First was consequently dissolved and later reformed in 2015 under the new name Tower Hamlets Independent Group.
Tower Hamlets Independent Group councillors currently occupy 13 of the 45 Council seats in the Tower Hamlets Council. Several former THIG members have defected to become Independents.
On December 9, 2015, the following message was sent to all THIG members:
The Group agreed in principle that all Group members must adhere to the following:
All Members must attend their Council meetings, including Group meetings. Failure to attend three meetings will result in a warning and written explanation sought.
The Group has agreed to open a Group bank – every member to contribute £20 per month, Councillors with additional allowance such as the Leader and O&S Lead will make additional contribution. £40 for the Leader and the O&S lead.
The Group agreed to have the Constitution/Memorandum of Understanding, if you have any suggestion, please let our Political Adviser brother Ali – know by close of play, 20 December and copy me.
No one should give media comments or interview about Group matters, without prior approval, except the Leader to ensure smooth running.
The Group reserves the right to disciple any Member whose conduct brings the Group into disrepute or create disunity – avoiding collective responsibility – including the Leader or officer bearer of the Group.
Key events and group engagements that all must attend are: 14 December at 6.30 pm (Independent Group workshop), 16 December at 6.30 pm in Waterlily (Unite against Islamophobia and Racism) and 14 January 2016 at 7 pm (People's Budget meeting in Canary Wharf).
