News reports indicate that Lord Waheed Alli, a prominent Labour Party donor, evicted a family from a £3 million townhouse in North London and then relisted the property for a significantly higher rent.

According to articles from various news outlets, the family, who had lived in the five-bedroom property for four years, was paying £4,800 a month. They were given a Section 21 “no-fault” eviction notice. Shortly after, the house was re-listed for £6,000 per month, a £1,200 increase. The former tenants reportedly offered to pay the increased rent to stay, but their offer was refused.

This incident has drawn criticism and accusations of hypocrisy, particularly in light of the Labour government’s stated aim to abolish no-fault evictions through its Renters’ Rights Bill and its promise to protect tenants. Lord Alli is a major donor to the Labour Party, having given over £500,000 since 2020. A spokesperson for Lord Alli stated that he is not a commercial landlord and that the property was re-let at a lower amount than the re-listed price and for less than the former tenant offered, suggesting the motive was not financial.

The Labour Party has not directly commented on the eviction itself, but the incident is in direct opposition to their core legislative agenda and has been used by critics to highlight a perceived double standard.