Health Secretary Wes Streeting has called for his former assistant to step down as an east London councillor following his admission of indecent exposure. Sam Gould, a 33-year-old Redbridge representative, pleaded guilty to two counts at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court in Ilford on Monday. Despite being suspended from the Labour Party, there is no official process in place for his suspension from Redbridge Council, according to the local authority.
Expressing his shock and horror at the situation, Mr. Streeting highlighted the distress experienced by the mother and daughter who were victims of Gould’s actions. Describing the incident as appalling, he emphasized the need for Gould to resign from his position as a Redbridge councillor immediately. Kam Rai, the leader of Redbridge Council, echoed similar sentiments, condemning Gould’s behavior as an inexcusable betrayal of his constituents.
Rai noted that while Gould was rightfully suspended by the party following his arrest, there is unfortunately no procedure in place for his suspension from the council. He expressed sympathy for the victims who were subjected to Gould’s reprehensible conduct. Gould, a resident of Hornchurch, east London, has been granted bail until his sentencing on 7 April, as the community grapples with the aftermath of his actions
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