Labour Councillor Resigns After Guilty Plea to Indecent Exposure
Shock as Former Aide to Health Secretary Convicted
Sam Gould, 33, a Labour councillor and former top aide to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, has stepped down after admitting to two counts of indecent exposure. The Hainault ward councillor pleaded guilty at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court in Ilford on Monday for exposing himself to a mother and her daughter in separate incidents.
Council Leader Relieved, Calls for Tougher Laws
Redbridge Council’s Labour leader Kam Rai confirmed Gould’s resignation on Wednesday and called the incidents “deeply troubling.” Rai expressed relief and urged stronger action, backing new legislation in the Criminal Justice Bill that would let councils remove convicted councillors.
“Although Gould had been suspended from the Labour Party, there was previously no mechanism to force him off the council,” Rai said. “I’m pleased the government has committed to changing that.”
Health Secretary Condemns Actions, Sacks Aide
Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, swiftly fired Gould following the conviction. He condemned the former aide’s behaviour in the strongest terms.
“There are no excuses for his appalling behaviour,” said Streeting. “There are no words to express my horror at what the victims endured.”
Council Moves Fast, Victims Supported
Redbridge Council acted quickly, cutting off Gould’s access to council devices and facilities as soon as the charges emerged. Rai also voiced sympathy for the victims.
“The past week’s revelations have been distressing, and my heart goes out to the victims for what they endured,” he said.
A by-election to fill Gould’s vacated seat in Hainault is expected soon. The disgraced former councillor, who lives in Hornchurch, east London, remains on bail until sentencing on 7 April.
