‘Unacceptable’, UK PM Starmer chides Labour MP Athwal over renting flats plagued by ants

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reprimanded a Labour MP after it was revealed that he rented out flats plagued by mould, fleas, and ants. Jas Athwal, a British-Indian Sikh Labour MP, has been accused of being a “slum landlord.”

Earlier, an investigation by UK broadcaster BBC revealed that in 15 of the properties rented out by Athwal, people were living in the worst conditions possible.

The PM, on Monday (Sep 2), addressed the allegations levelled against his colleague. “It’s unacceptable for any landlord, and I’ll be really clear about that,” the PM said.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s a Labour MP or anybody else, it’s unacceptable. What’s happened in this case is this MP has now recognised that, he is taking the necessary measures to put it right. The sooner that’s done, the better, but I’m not going to pretend to you or anybody else that this is in any way acceptable,” Starmer said.

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A BBC reporter claimed to have witnessed severe ant infestations in several properties.

“Communal areas were dirty, lights did not work, fire alarms were hanging loose from the ceiling and a washing machine had been dumped next to a set of stairs,” the BBC reported.

The Sikh MP reacted to the BBC report by sacking his letting agent.

“I am shocked and sickened by the series of problems that have come to light and I am unreservedly sorry to all my tenants for the bad experience they have endured,” he stated.

Notably, Athwal is one of the largest landlords in the House of Commons, with 15 flats under his name.

Now, the London Renters Union (LRU), which represents more than 7,000 renters, has urged Redbridge council to open an investigation against the MP over possible housing law violations.

“Anyone who discriminates against people who receive benefits and puts their tenants at such risk by ignoring housing safety laws is clearly not fit to be an MP,” said a spokesperson for the LRU.

(With inputs from agencies)