A larger-than-life Islington politician has hit the gym hard after being challenged to lose weight by his mother.

Labour councillor Troy Gallagher, who weighs in at more than 18 stones, has started a gruelling training regime at the Ironmonger Row Baths in Norman Street, Finsbury, to show people living in his Bunhill ward that it’s possible to get into shape and stay that way.

He also wants to highlight the dangers of diabetes and make people aware of the various deals on offer at Ironmonger Row for those people who want to shed a few pounds.

Cllr Gallagher, who hopes to shed more than 40lbs, said: “All too often it’s so easy to find an excuse not to go swimming or to the gym, with excuses like ‘my mate can’t go tonight and I don’t want to be on my own’, or ‘I’m too heavy and people will look at me funny’, or ‘EastEnders is on’ or even ‘it’s too cold’.”

He added: “I was actually challenged by my mother Mary and urged on by locals to take the lead and show by example to my residents that doing exercises, gym and swimming can be done despite a busy life and that I could lose weight and get fit using the local gym on my doorstep.”