The brother of US politician Bernie Sanders, who lost out on the Democrat presidential nomination to Hillary Clinton, has paid a visit to the borough.

Newham Recorder: Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally at Town Hall in New York. (Pictures PA)Bernie Sanders speaks during a rally at Town Hall in New York. (Pictures PA) (Image: EMPICS Entertainment)

Larry Sanders, the Green Party spokesman for health and social care, came to Forest Gate on Thursday to support the party’s candidate, Elisabeth Whitebread, in next Thursday’s by-election and to offer his opinions on health in Newham.

“There’s currently an issue of equality. Over the last 40 years, in both the US and Britain, there’s been a dramatic shift in income inequality,” said Larry. “In poorer parts of a borough like Newham this can affect people’s health.”

A major concern for Larry is the amount of pollution within London, which he claims is causing harm to people’s health and wellbeing.

Larry, 82, said: “The latest research from Kings College shows that walking to school can badly damage the lungs of children in just half an hour on the streets.

“Children are more affected because they are still growing, through no fault of their own.”

The former Green Party councillor for Oxford also pointed out that developments like the Silvertown tunnel and the London City Airport expansion will only add to the impact that pollution is having on people’s health.

“The City Airport expansion makes me very sad because Sadiq Khan has made some good steps, but that is not one of them,” he said.

Born in New York in the 1930s, Larry and Bernie developed an enthusiasm for politics that the former credits to their Jewish heritage.

“Every Jewish child growing up in New York has to know about the importance of politics,” he said.

“It was very exciting to see my little brother with a thousand people cheering him.”

After seeing his brother narrowly miss out in the race to be the Democrat candidate, Larry is tipping Hilary for presidency, adding: “Hilary’s going to beat Trump. He’s too foul even for Americans.”