The law practice of Wimbledon Labour candidate Imran Uddin has been seized by the Solicitors Regulation Authority because "there is reason to suspect dishonesty", it has emerged.

Mr Uddin's practice at Crescent Law, in London Road, Morden, was closed by the SRA on May 18.

The SRA say "there is reason to suspect dishonesty by Mr Uddin in connection with his practice as a solicitor", and "it is necessary to exercise the powers of intervention to protect the interests of clients".

Wimbledon Labour Party said they are "disappointed" to have learned of the situation and have written formally to Cllr Uddin for clarification.

According to social media network Linkedin, Mr Uddin has been a partner at the law practice since it opened in 2004.

The 37-year-old was announced as the Labour candidate for Wimbledon constituency at the beginning of May. He is also a local councillor for St Helier ward.

Muzammil Abid, another partner at the firm, is also suspected of dishonesty.

After the SRA has intervened in a firm, using powers delegated by Parliament, the firm can no longer act for its clients.

A separate solicitors are then employed to help close down the practice, called the "intervention agent".

Although the website for Crescent Law is still active, the phone number connects to an automated message telling customers to contact Russell-Cooke solicitors, the intervening agent.

A spokesperson for the SRA said: "The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has intervened into the practice of Crescent Law. The grounds of intervention are that there was reasons to suspect dishonesty on the part of Mr Uddin and Mr Abid.

"An intervention means the SRA has closed a firm with immediate effect. We will stop the firm from operating, take possession of all documents and papers held by the firm - including clients' papers- and take possession of all money held by the firm, including clients' money.

"The SRA has appointed an agent to deal with all matters currently held by Crescent Law. The agent will assess all on-going matters and deal with those of greatest need first. The SRA's archive team will take control of all documents held by the firm."

The spokesperson said that the investigation is still ongoing, and it is not yet clear whether there will be disciplinary proceedings. If there are, the information will be available publicly.

Councillor Imran Uddin said: "I am appealing the decision of the SRA and will only be able to comment after the outcome of the appeal."

Wimbledon Labour Party said: “We are obviously very disappointed to have learned of the situation in the past few days and we have written formally to Cllr Uddin seeking clarification. Until we have further information we must reserve judgement, and can make no comment on the action taken by the SRA.

"Local residents will make their own decision as to how to vote on the 8th of June. What is clear is that Labour nationally is offering real investment in our health service, schools and the police and will protect all but the top 5% of earners from any increase in income tax.

“If the Tories win the election the Metropolitan Police faces cuts of £400m, on top of £600m since 2010, putting 12,800 officers’ jobs at risk. Labour will reverse these cuts, will end the Conservative hand-outs to the rich and will negotiate a Brexit deal aimed at achieving a new partnership with Europe that will strengthen our economy.

"Wimbledon Labour Party remains committed to achieving a fairer society that works for everyone, not just for the most well off, and we hope that residents will vote to support these values."