Labour councillor convicted of exposure resigns

A former senior aid of Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned from his role as a Redbridge councillor after being convicted of indecent exposure.

Sam Gould, 33, pleaded guilty to two separate counts at Barkingside Magistrates' Court in Ilford on Monday.

Announcing Gould's resignation, Redbridge Council's Labour leader Kam Rai said he was "relieved" and backed plans to empower local authorities to remove councillors who commit serious crimes.

Rai previously said although Gould was suspended from the Labour Party, there was "no process" to remove him from the council.

However, he said on Friday he was "pleased" there was a government commitment to allow the removal of politicians who commit serious crimes, under the Criminal Justice Bill.

Gould, a former a ward councillor for Hainault, is said to have exposed himself to a mother and her daughter.

Following his court appearance, Streeting sacked Gould and called for his resignation from his role as a ward councillor for Hainault.

"There are no excuses for his appalling behaviour," Streeting said, adding there were "no words to express his horror" at the victims' ordeal.

Rai said the authority took "prompt action" by blocking Gould's council devices and access cards.

"The past week's revelations have been distressing, and my heart goes out to the victims for what they endured," he added.

He said information would soon be released about a by-election to replace Gould.

Gould, of Hornchurch, east London, was bailed until sentencing on 7 April.

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