'The 3 councillors have apologised' says Luton Council leader after grilling over lockdown breach

Last week, it was reported (here) that mayor of Luton, councillor Tahir Malik, and fellow Labour councillors Waheed Akbar and Asif Masood attended a large gathering in the town, without wearing face masks or social distancing.

Challney councillor Malik was absent from last night's (Tuesday) full council meeting, which he would normally chair.

Labour council leader Hazel Simmons was left to face a grilling from Liberal Democrat opposition leader, councillor David Franks.

Councillor Franks quoted her recent comment that "fighting coronavirus is everyone's responsibility".

He asked: "Does 'everybody' include Labour councillors Tahir Malik, Waheed Akbar and Asif Masood?"

Councillor Simmons responded: "I have a statement referring to these three councillors.

"As everyone is aware they have unreservedly apologised to the people of Luton for their breach of the lockdown rules.

"I can confirm there's a continuing investigation into this issue.

"Luton Council has also received complaints that will be investigated through the normal standards process you're well aware of.

"The important issue for council this evening, and my top priority, is to focus on getting the messages out to the local community to work with us bringing the coronavirus outbreak under control to avoid a second lockdown."

But councillor Franks continued to press the matter.

He asked: "Does she share my view that it's outrageous the three Labour councillors put tens, if not hundreds, of Luton residents in danger of contracting the deadly coronavirus by attending this mass gathering?"

The council leader refused to make any comment on the councillors' behaviour.

She responded: "As I said in my statement, the three councillors you refer to have unreservedly apologised to the people of Luton for their breach of lock down rules and I can confirm there's an investigation into this issue.

"I have nothing else to add."

Councillor Franks described the trio's media statement as a "corporate apology", "manufactured and issued by the Labour Party press office" and that their excuse was "threadbare".

But Councillor Simmons responded: "The Labour Party investigates all complaints received and, where rules have been breached, action will be taken in line with the party's processes."

Councillor Franks then remarked: "Does she understand that most reasonable people see their behaviour as arrogant, and that it shows they think their job is to make the rules for others to follow, and they can ignore their own rules when they want to hold a tea party with their friends?"

But there was still no comment from the council leader.

Cllr Simmons said: "As I have previously said, the three councillors have unreservedly apologised to the people of Luton for their breach of lock down rules."

Councillor Franks probed once again: "Will councillor Simmons confirm for us that this whole issue will be fully investigated by the council’s standards committee?"

She answered: "As I said, the council has received complaints that are being taken forward and going through the normal standards board process that you are well aware of."

The council's director of public health has urged all local residents to:

> Keep a two metre distance from people outside their household at all times;

> Stay at home as much as possible;

> Wear a face covering in all enclosed public spaces where it is difficult to keep two metres apart;

> Avoid social visits to other people's homes or private gardens;

> Avoid meeting in large groups ... no more than six people unless they live in the same house.