However, Mr Fitzpatrick was re-elected with a substantially increased majority. "It is a body blow to the credibility of the IFE and their claim that no one can get elected in Tower Hamlets without their sanction," he said. "If I hadn't had the row with the IFE, they would have been in a much stronger position to influence the election. Normal politics, as much as possible, are now breaking out in Tower Hamlets."