Southwark Liberal Democrats Call for Investigation into Politically Biased Appointment of Land Commission Chair

The Southwark Liberal Democrats have called for an investigation into the appointment of a prominent figure in the local Labour Party to chair the newly formed Land Commission.

Yesterday, Southwark Council announced the launch of the supposedly independent Southwark Land Commission and that Dr Miatta Fahnbulleh will chair the commission.

Southwark’s announcement makes no mention of the fact that, in November 2022, Dr Miatta Fahnbulleh was announced as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Camberwell and Peckham.

Leader of the Southwark Liberal Democrats, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, wrote to Southwark’s CEO to demand an investigation into the appointment – citing a direct conflict of interest.

No opposition councillors were approached to form part of the Land Commission.

Other local groups have raised concerns about the lack of inclusion of climate groups and community organisations in the Land Commission panel.

Commenting, Southwark Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:

“We respect Dr Fahnbulleh’s professional expertise but this appointment is inappropriate given her recent local selection and prominent party political role. Yet again Labour are trying to mark their own homework. For Labour to appoint their own parliamentary candidate to this important position is a direct conflict of interest. Southwark Labour must not be allowed to use public money and platform to raise the profile of a local prospective parliamentarian and gain undue advantage."

The fact that Southwark makes no mention of Dr Fahnbulleh’s high-profile role within Southwark Labour raises serious transparency concerns. The commission has a glaring lack of opposition voices or relevant community organisaitons. Southwark must immediately investigate how such an unsuitable candidate was chosen for this role”.