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Luton council leader said she was 'devastated' to be ousted

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www.bbc.co.uk

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A woman, councillor Tahmina Saleem, is wearing glasses and a blue cardigan sitting at an outdoor picnic table.

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Ousted Luton Council leader Tahmina Saleem expresses devastation after losing vote of no-confidence

Overview

Tahmina Saleem, who served as the Labour leader of Luton Council for just 119 days, has stated she was devastated after being ousted in a vote of no-confidence. Saleem took over from long-serving Hazel Simmons in May 2026, but the authority lost overall control after six Labour councillors quit the party in July. Opposition parties subsequently joined forces to remove Saleem, installing Liberal Democrat Amjid Ali as the new leader via a coalition. Saleem has expressed a desire to run for council leader again if Labour wins the local elections.

Key points

  • Tahmina Saleem was ousted as Luton Council leader after serving for just four months following a vote of no-confidence.
  • Liberal Democrat Amjid Ali replaced Saleem after forming a coalition to stabilise the council.
  • The leadership crisis unfolded after six Labour councillors abruptly quit the party in July, leaving the authority under no overall control.
  • A motion to remove Saleem was carried by 26 votes to 21 with one abstainer on 14 September.
  • Saleem remains the leader of the Labour opposition and has stated she would welcome the opportunity to run for council leader again in future elections.
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