London’s first elected woman mayor is taking her own Labour council to court over discrimination claims.
Rohksana Fiaz’s case against Newham Council was heard in private at the East London Tribunal Centre on Thursday.
A spokesman for the borough said the council leader suing her local authority would not “impact on usual constitutional functioning”.
It is understood Ms Fiaz’s case relates to racism and bullying claims.
A council spokesman said: “We can confirm that Newham Council has received a claim issued by the directly elected Mayor, Rohksana Fiaz OBE.
“The case is listed for preliminary hearing in private, today, the 28 November 2024. Like any other citizen Mayor Fiaz is entitled to assert her rights and present a claim if she believes her rights have been infringed.
“She is also entitled not to face any victimisation or retribution for having done so.
“The existence of the claim will not impact on the usual constitutional functioning of the council, its decision taking or processes.
“The Tribunal’s procedure rules do not provide for details of a case to be made public unless or until, it is heard in open court. We will therefore be making no further comment in relation to the claim at this time. It is a matter for HM Courts and Tribunals to independently assess and determine the admissibility and merits of any claim.”
