Councillors resign Labour group

Councillor Shefali Ahmed and Councillor Farooq Ahmed

Councillor Farooq Ahmed and Councillor Shefali Ahmed have resigned from the Labour Group. They will continue as Independent councillors.

Councillor Farooq Ahmed said: "We feel we can use our time and energy on a more positive and productive contribution for our constituents by being independent members."

On Wednesday 11 June Councillor Ahmed was found guilty of a section 4 public order offence after confronting fellow Labour councillor Neil Emmott in the street.

Councillor Ahmed added: Our resignation comes due to all the political infighting and division within the Labour Group, and the lack of support and intervention by the local Labour Party and regional office. There are many issues which could have been resolved internally which would have prevented negative media attention for the town.

"It is a sad time for us, as we wanted to see the end of all this political and personal fiasco, the group should be focusing on the real issues within our town.

"We would like to thank former Council Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert and the previous Cabinet who had worked hard and tirelessly with council staff in the most challenging times.

"Myself, former Leader of the Council, Councillor Lambert and the previous Cabinet have laid the foundation and have created a clearer path for the future developments for this borough. We hope the current leadership and the Cabinet are able to continue the good work."

Councillor Farooq Ahmed's term on the Council runs until May 2015, Councillor Shefali Ahmed until May 2016.