• THE letter from Andrew Feinstein (Council has lost its voice and conscience, March 14), may have left some Camden residents scratching their heads. Who is Feinstein?

The letter gives few clues. In particular it does not reveal that Feinstein is not just any other Camden resident, he is the candidate of a far-left group planning to stand against Labour in the general election.

First a bit of background. Feinstein is, like myself, of South African origin. He rose up the ranks of the ruling African National Congress and was elected to parliament.

Tragically the ANC had become mired in corruption and – to his credit – Feinstein did a great deal to uncover just how systematic this was.

A huge arms deal channelled vast sums of money into ANC coffers and the pockets of its elite. Hardly surprisingly, the ANC was less than happy with this being revealed. Feinstein resigned in 2001 and came to Britain.

Since then Feinstein has aligned himself with the far left. After Jeremy Corbyn lost the Labour whip there was speculation that Corbyn’s wife Laura Alvarez would stand in Holborn & St Pancras.

The vehicle that was formed to try to challenge Sir Keir Starmer was the “Organise Corbyn Inspired Socialist Alliance” group. This rather crude name has since been abbreviated to OCISA, which was formally launched in February 2023.

But OCISA is no ordinary political party or grassroots movement. It is a company, registered with Companies House. Its secretary is Jan Brooker, who gives his address as in Liverpool. Its other directors all listed at the same address in Wales.

It was reported in February this year that Feinstein was “elected” by OCISA to run in Holborn & St Pancras. No details were revealed of who participated in the election or how it was held.

Since then Feinstein has been travelling the country, attacking the Labour Party and attempting to increase his media presence.

Of course, Feinstein has every right to stand in Holborn & St Pancras.

If the people of Camden wish to vote for the candidate of a company, whose “party” has no roots in the area, that is up to them.

MARTIN PLAUT, NW5