“We’re all fuming. It’s a stab in the back."
A Birmingham councillor has been branded “hypocritical” for travelling to Egypt during a worsening bin strike that has left the city covered in waste.
Labour councillor Majid Mahmood flew to Egypt with ISRA-UK, a charity that delivers aid to those in need, to distribute food parcels to people affected by the Gaza conflict.
But council refuse workers say the timing is insulting, with 17,000 tons of rubbish uncollected in the city and growing public anger.
An anonymous employee said: “We’re all fuming. It’s a stab in the back.
“We’re getting it in the neck while the city is in a tip and he’s off on a jolly paid for by a charity.”
Another worker added: “I can’t go on annual leave right now, imagine. We’re under so much pressure and then he goes on a trip for a photo op, it’s unbelievable.”
The councillor, who represents Bromford & Hodge Hill, shared pictures on Facebook of himself “overseeing and packaging” the 1,100 donated food parcels.
He said the aid would support families for a fortnight and would be distributed in Cairo if trucks were blocked from entering Gaza.
Councillor Mahmood defended the trip: “This is something that had been planned for a long time. I undertook the same trip last year.
“Charity work is an important aspect of Ramadan, and I wanted to ensure that I was playing my part in supporting people in need.
“During the very short period that I was abroad, I was still contactable and able to receive updates, discuss progress and take key strategic decisions.”
He said his absence had “no impact” on the refuse service as he holds no operational role.
The bin strike began in January 2025 over job cuts and has led to huge piles of rubbish across Birmingham.
The city council declared a major incident to bring in 35 extra vehicles and crews.
John Cotton, council leader, said: “It’s regrettable that we have had to take this step, but we cannot tolerate a situation that is causing harm and distress to communities across Birmingham.
“I respect the right to strike and protest, however, actions on the picket line must be lawful and sadly the behaviour of some now means we are seeing a significant impact on residents and the city’s environment.”
Birmingham City Council blamed the worsening situation on picketing workers blocking depots, preventing waste trucks from leaving.
The standoff has also sparked a rat infestation.
Residents say vermin “the size of cats” have been seen feeding on piles of discarded food.
Experts warn that rising temperatures this week could speed up the spread of disease.
Dr Elizabeth Sheridan, an infectious disease expert, warned that Weil’s disease, a potentially fatal infection carried in rat urine, is her main concern.
She said: “Most people don’t know if they have been exposed to rat urine.
“You are at risk if you handle things that rats have been running over and that gets into your system.
“If anyone is handling stuff where rats have been, they should wear gloves and wash their hands.”
The trip also comes amid revelations that other council leaders attended high-end events during the crisis.
Deputy leader Sharon Thompson watched Aston Villa beat Celtic in the Champions League using a £300 ticket gifted by Brindley Capital. She later attended two ballet performances at Symphony Hall and Birmingham Hippodrome.
Cabinet member Saima Suleman was treated to a free meal at Asha’s Indian Restaurant by the Night Time Industries Association.
Elliot Keck, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said locals would be “utterly appalled”. A council spokesman claimed the events were linked to the councillors’ official duties.
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