It is a sad state of affairs in Tower Hamlets, that I am having to make a public statement on what should be a private matter. In recent days I have been contacted by members of the public, Labour Party members and non-Labour Party about my imminent suspension as a Labour councillor due to allegations that I broke the law by breaching the COVID-19 Regulations.
Allegations I deny. I have been informed that the matter has been now referred to the police for investigation with me as a victim of crime. A crime reference number has been provided. Pending the conclusion of the investigation, I will not be making any further comments. I have informed Mayor John Biggs and his Whip Kevin Brady of the above police investigation with me as a victim of crime. I have also asked them to cease any investigation of the incident and nor make any public pronouncements so as not to prejudice the police investigation.
One final point, it has been raised by members of the public that the investigation and the alleged proposed suspension coincides with vital political discussions on the way the Borough is governed, in particular, a proposed referendum to abolish the Directly Elected Mayor position. The past recent days have been difficult for me personally, but this has not diminished my determination to campaign for a People’s Choice referendum on the future of the Mayoralty with all options given to the public and to persuade inform and educate residents on the benefits of the Committee System.
I would like to thank everyone who has messaged me to express solidarity. We are fortunate that the police in this country are free of political interference. I look forward to when they bring the matter to a conclusion.
“I can answer for myself, and I hope I may for others, that the liberty of communicating our sentiments to the public freely and honestly, shall not be tamely given up, nor, I trust, forced out of their hands.”
John Wilkes (17 October 1725 – 26 December 1797)
Link to People’s Choice Petition: https://www.change.org/p/elected-councillors-of-tower-hamlets-petition-to-hold-a-referendum-in-tower-hamlets-to-replace-the-directly-elected-mayor
Explainer on the Committee System:
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