Picture copyright Luton Borough Council
Picture copyright
Luton Borough Council
Waheed Akbar, Asif Masood and Tahir Malik apologised for his or her lockdown breach
A mayor who broke Covid-19 lockdown guidelines to attend a celebration has resigned.
Luton mayor Tahir Malik was pictured at a gathering in a backyard, together with borough councillors Asif Masood and Waheed Akbar.
It got here shortly after the city had been designated as an “space of intervention” by Public Well being England.
Mr Malik stated: “There is no such thing as a excuse for what I did – I ought to have recognized higher and I settle for full accountability for my actions.”
Photos of Mr Malik, Mr Masood and Mr Akbar had emerged on social media following the gathering in July.
In a press release on Luton Borough Council’s web site, Mr Malik stated his actions had been “under the usual of my place”.
He stated standing down was the “smartest thing I might do for the city”.
He added he hoped his actions would serve “as a reminder to the folks of Luton of the significance of following the Covid-19 pointers because it stays an actual and critical menace”.
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Borough council chief Hazel Simmons (Lab) stated Mr Malik had made a “mistake which he deeply regrets” and that “he and his household are actually hurting proper now”.
She added: “What has occurred is unlucky, and I feel it’s proper for him to step down presently, however it’s vital to recognise the unbelievable contribution he has made to Luton.”
Opposition Liberal Democrat chief David Franks stated the matter was not over.
“It might assist if the native Labour Social gathering would make it clear what motion it’s taking,” he stated.
“This era of silence raises suspicions of an tried cover-up.”
The borough council stated it had acquired complaints concerning the three Labour councillors, which might be addressed by way of its Requirements Committee.
It added a brand new mayor could be appointed on 29 September.
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