East Ham MP Stephen Timms has thrown his support behind mayor of Newham Robin Wales, who is embroiled in a reselection fight ahead of May’s local elections.

The MP, who has represented the area since 1994, said he is “delighted” to endorse Labour’s current mayor.

“He has both the right vision for the borough, including fixing the Tory housing crisis and creating better opportunities for Newham residents, and the experience to deliver it,” said Mr Timms.

Sir Robin, who first became council leader in 1995 and became directly elected mayor in 2002, tweeted to say he is “proud” to be supported by the MP.

There is currently an open selection process to decide who will be the party’s candidate in the local elections.

Cllr Rokhsana Fiaz, who chairs Newham Council’s scrutiny committee, has thrown her hat into the ring to become the Labour party candidate and says she is campaigning for a “fresh start” for Newham.