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Disgraced former Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman is attempting a political comeback, it has emerged.

He is reported to be announcing plans on Sunday for a new political grouping that will field candidates in next year’s borough elections and mayoral contest.

Mr Rahman was removed from office after a report found the council flouted spending rules over millions of pounds in grants and property sales.

Cabinet minister Eric Pickles branded it a “rotten borough” and told MPs there was evidence of “cronyism” and a risk of “corruption”.

The blog Love Wapping website said he would announce the creation of “Tower Hamlets Together”, a new party to bring together the rump of the council’s former leadership and unveil candidates.

The current Mayor, Labour’s John Biggs, said in a statement: “We live in a democracy and any group are free to form a party.”