Amu Gib, a pro-Palestinian activist, is making headlines not just for their legal troubles but also for their unexpected candidacy in this month’s local elections. Despite being incarcerated, Gib, 30, is running for a seat in Finsbury Park, north London, representing the Islington Community Independents.

Known alternatively as Amy Gardiner-Gibson and using they/them pronouns, Gib has been detained at HMP Bronzefield since last July. They face allegations, alongside four others linked to Palestine Action, of breaking into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The group is accused of spray-painting two RAF Voyager planes and causing substantial damage estimated in the millions.

Gib, who firmly denies the charges, remains committed to their political aspirations despite being behind bars. Their request for bail was recently denied, ensuring their continued stay in prison and precluding any possibility of traditional campaigning, such as door-to-door canvassing.

Nevertheless, Gib’s campaign isn’t without support. Passionate advocates, including well-known figures like Your Party MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, are actively rallying on their behalf, championing the cause and encouraging voters to support the imprisoned candidate.

Set to remain in prison for the forseeable after a request for bail was turned down this week, Gib certainly won’t be knocking on any doors canvassing for votes.

But a dedicated team of enthusiastic supporters, including current Your Party MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, have been busy endorsing the imprisoned candidate on their behalf. 

In a recent post, party leader Corbyn said: ‘Amu has shown remarkable bravery in support of the people of Palestine – and their moral courage has inspired millions of people to speak up for common humanity. 

‘Amu has proven themselves as a tireless campaigner for the rights of others and is driven by a selfless desire to look out for people in need.’ 

Amu Gib, 30, also known as Amy Gardiner-Gibson, is standing in Thursday’s election as a candidate for Finsbury Park, north London – despite being on remand at HMP Bronzefield

Gib is one of five alleged Palestine Action members accused of breaking into RAF Brize Norton before spray-painting two RAF Voyager planes last June

On their reasons for standing, Gib, who grew up in the area, said in a recent statement they ‘feel a responsibility to keep pushing for the liberation of Palestine, and I will always continue looking for ways to do so.’

They added: ‘I grew up in Finsbury Park, London. It’s where I learned about the world and about the occupation of Palestine, where I made my first memories, and where I’m running for local council. 

‘I’m doing this because I believe that all politics is local, from boycotting Israeli apartheid to fixing potholes; from stopping BAE Systems giving coloring books of F-35 fighter jets to primary schools—to shortening GP wait times.’

Gib was also unapologetic about seeking election rather than engaging in ‘direct action’ for Palestine.

They said: ‘Electoral politics is not the best option for me, nor my favorite. I’m not leaving direct action behind; I’m recruiting for it.’

Asked how they would serve their duties should they be successfully elected to Islington Council, Gib said volunteers would carry out their work on their behalf.

They told Inside Time, a national newspaper for prisoners and detainees in the UK: ‘I would have a team around me carrying out work in Finsbury Park and look to set up surgeries to meet constituents by video link. 

‘If there is not a way already in place for people to be local councillors from prison, I’m sure we can figure out a pathway.’

According to the Electoral Commission, an individual sentenced to a term of imprisonment would be disqualified from standing as a candidate – however Gib has not yet stood trial. 

Under electoral law, once nominations are confirmed by the Returning Officer, they cannot be challenged during the election. 

The commission added that the only mechanism for challenging the outcome of the election is an election petition.

One MP told Daily Mail that it was ‘ridiculous’ Gib was seeking election. 

Labour MP David Taylor, who represents Hemel Hempstead, said: ‘Voters have a right to know that a candidate is behind bars. 

‘It is ridiculous that activists are out knocking doors and campaigning for someone who is awaiting trial following the attack on RAF aircraft.

‘How is this candidate seriously expected to represent the interests of the people of Islington from a jail cell?’

Gib was in the headlines in December after ending a hunger strike lasting nearly 50 days.

They were reportedly taken to hospital, having lost more than 10kg of weight during the fast, as well as experiencing muscle twitches and deep exhaustion, according to their lawyers.

Gib was one of eight activists involved in the strike last winter, the biggest in the UK since 1981 when 10 IRA prisoners died.

Alongside Jony Cink, 25, Daniel Jeronymides-Norie, 36, Lewis Chiaramello, 23, and Muhammad Umer Khalid, 22, Gib denies charges of damaging property and entering a prohibited place for a purpose prejudicial to the safety and/or interests of the UK, relating to the break-in at RAF Brize Norton on June 20, 2025.

A trial, expected to last up to eight weeks, has previously been set for January 18, 2027 at the Old Bailey.

Gib, 30, is seeking election despite being on remand at HMP Bronzefield since last July

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident, saying it was a protest against the UK’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza.

The group was proscribed by the Government as a terrorist organisation soon after, before the High Court ruled in February that it was unlawful. 

A Court of Appeal review is currently considering whether that position should stand, following a hearing this week. 

Daily Mail has contacted Islington Community Independents for comment.