Pressure is mounting on Jas Athwal to be suspended as a Labour MP after an investigation revealed the squalid state of his rental properties.
Between 50 and 100 people attended a protest outside Redbridge Town Hall on Friday 6 September, organisers say.
Led by the Redbridge Community Action Group (RCAG), demonstrators echoed calls from the London Renters’ Union that Athwal resign.
The former Redbridge Council leader was elected to the House of Commons in July and, with 15 rental properties, is the largest landlord in Parliament.
The BBC unveiled ant infestations and black mould in seven properties owned by the Ilford South MP.
He has apologised and said he sacked the letting agent responsible for managing the properties. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the conditions were “unacceptable” but acknowledged Athwal was “taking action to put it right”.
An RCAG spokesperson said it was “rank hypocrisy”.
He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it was “time for [Athwal] to go” and he needed to be investigated by the council.
He added: “We need someone who’ll look out for the people of Redbridge.
“You’ve got a constituency made up of a variety of people. The most vulnerable should not be left behind and that’s what seems to be happening.”
In a statement issued on 1 September, Athwal said: “I am shocked and sickened by the series of problems that have come to light. I had not been aware of these issues until this week, for which I am furious.”
He added: “As the landlord, the buck stops with me, and I unreservedly apologise to my tenants for the unacceptable experiences they have endured.”
He added he would reimburse tenants who had been “left out-of-pocket”.
London Renters’ Union, which aims to protect the rights of tenants, demanded Athwal resign on 2 September.
A spokesperson said his continued tenure would undermine voters’ trust in the new government’s ability to solve the housing crisis.
Athwal described himself as a “renters’ champion” in an initial statement provided to the BBC.
However, he later admitted some properties may not have the correct property licences required under a scheme he himself introduced. He told the broadcaster he was now in the process of renewing all his licences.
The requirement for landlords to be licensed was introduced to the borough in 2021, during his decade-long career as council leader.
The RCAG spokesperson added: “If you’re in a position of responsibility, the minimum you can do is meet the standards you set for others.”
Councillor Paul Canal, leader of the borough’s Conservative group, said his local government position had become “untenable”. He urged Redbridge Council to investigate Athwal amid “simply scandalous hypocrisy”.
A spokesperson for the authority previously told the LDRS it was “aware of the situation” but could not comment on individual cases.
He said: “In all cases, we expect properties that require a licence to apply for it. Where they do not have a licence, we will send notices and commence enforcement action.”
“It is important that all landlords apply for their licences. This is about maintaining the standards of our selective licensing scheme and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of people in Redbridge.”
The council declined to provide a fresh comment on the protest.
The Labour Party has been contacted for comment.
