Did Labour mayor Mohammed Ayub just “twin” Bolton with a village in Kashmir?

Bolton’s mayor councillor Mohammed Ayub is pictured in Kashmir against the backdrop “twin city, memorandum signing ceremony”

Questions are being asked of Labour councillors at Bolton after the Mayor seemingly “twinned” the town with a village in Kashmir.

Councillors became aware of reports circulating on social media that councillor Mohammed Ayub, the Mayor of Bolton, on behalf of Bolton, has signed a Town Twinning agreement with Khuerta in Kashmir.

He has apparently visited Khuerta in the company of Councillors Ayub and Khurram in what was viewed in Khuerta as an official delegation.

Councillor Ayub is the first Bolton Mayor of Kashmiri origin. He was born in the small village of Ghora, Kotli.

Pictures of the “twinning” event emerged in a YouTube video in recent days. 

Bolton mayor Mohammed Ayub with his wife Zaibun Nisa and, right, where Kashmir is located

Liberal Democrat councillors have called on the Labour administration to come clean on what has happened.

In a motion to the council, councillors have said that “this is not a good example of openness or transparency”. 

Liberal Democrats are demanding an explanation from the Chief Executive or the Leader of the Council to clarify:

• What was the status of this visit;

• Were any Council resources used to fund this visit;

• What agreement, if any has been made between Bolton and Khuerta;

• Why no discussion was held with other parties represented on the Council

Westhoughton Liberal Democrat councillor David Wilkinson said: “Until the council receives full details of what is contained in the agreement and has an opportunity to discuss them, this should not be considered an official expression of the council’s views.

“Any future proposals for Town Twinning or Friendship Agreements involving Bolton should be considered by the full council before anything is agreed.”