Apsana Begum told officials she was in “overcrowded conditions” with her family – but she lived in a four-bedroom house with three people, it was alleged yesterday. Begum, 31 – who won the east London seat of Poplar and Limehouse in 2019 with a majority of 28,904 – denies three counts of fraud between 2013 and 2016. It cost the council ￡63,928 as another person waiting for a home had to be housed elsewhere, London’s Snaresbrook Crown Court heard.

       Begum went on the register in 2011 and was given the tenancy of a studio flat five years later.

       She denies failing to inform Tower Hamlets council of changes in her circumstances.

       James Marsland, prosecuting, said: “She knew that, if she did, it would negatively impact her application. She withheld information in order to gain a social housing tenancy.”

       The charges relate to separate periods, Mr Marsland said.

       Jurors were told that Begum previously worked for housing association Tower Hamlets Homes.

       The trial continues.