Location-wise, I really enjoyed living there. Close to everything with great cycle routes. Easy access to fast tube/Elizabeth line connections. Some nice parks, and great walking/running routes along the canals/docks/river. Quick walk (or illegal cycle) through the tunnel to Greenwich.

But you're right, politically it's a disaster! During one of the general elections a few years back there was a local referendum held on the same night about how the mayoral governance was going to work in the borough. Rahman (who's now the mayor) actually had his thugs posted at the doors accosting voters as they arrived and urging them to vote for his preferred option. Police were there keeping an eye on them but didn't seem to be intervening. Guess this sort of electoral interference is okay in Tower Hamlets!