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Councillor Farooq Ahmed reinstated
Date published: 22 February 2012
Councillor Farooq Ahmed has been reinstated into the Labour party and his position as finance portfolio holder on the Council Cabinet after a police investigation concluded that no action would be taken over a video that emerged earlier this year purported to show him smoking cannabis.
Councillor Ahmed was suspended by the Labour party, and from his Council Cabinet position, whilst an investigation took place.
Speaking exclusively to Rochdale Online, Councillor Ahmed, said: “I feel great. I am really pleased with the news.”
The video, that was three years old, emerged in January. It was alleged that Councillor Ahmed was smoking cannabis and on the video he can be seen “playing along” with friends and making comments that he described himself as “silly”.
Initially Councillor Ahmed wanted to resign, but following overwhelming public support he decided to stay.
He said: “I want to thank the people of this town. The support which was given was phenomenal.
“I was ready to resign and they were the main driving force that brought me back.”
Councillor Ahmed expressed his gratitude to members of the public.
He added: “My partner, Shefali Begum, stood by me and kept me going. I also want to thank the Leader (Colin Lambert) who stood by me and the members of my group, apart from one or two, who supported me.”
Councillor Ahmed continued: “It has been a learning curve for me and from now on I will be careful in my private times with what I say, not just publicly, but when I am amongst friends.”
“I continued doing finance behind the scenes, because I knew I had done nothing wrong.”
A Labour Party North West spokesperson said: “Labour North West has conducted an investigation surrounding the video clip in which Councillor Farooq Ahmed appeared and his suspension has now been lifted.
“Councillor Ahmed categorically denied any wrong doing and the police have confirmed that no further action will be taken.
“We note that Councillor Ahmed accepts his comments in the video were inappropriate and he has apologised for any embarrassment caused.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, said: “An investigation was carried out by another division within Greater Manchester Police, which concluded there was no evidence for any further police action.”
Councillor Ahmed maintains that the sudden emergence of the video was part of a “smear campaign orchestrated by Simon Danczuk”, Rochdale MP and Councillor Ahmed's Labour party colleague.
Mr Danczuk has been invited to comment.
Comments
The person that took the video took it without the knowledge of Farooq, surely this is entrapment?
To send it to the media without Farooq being able to defend himself, and before the allegation is investigated, is disgraceful to say the least.
Glad to see you back Farooq we were ready with our banners.
Now that Farooq has been cleared, I think the police should investigate Mr Dopey Danczuk for wasting police time and damaging the respect of the best councillor that the Central Ward has had after Councillor Ibrar Khan.
Whoever it was who made this video certainly was not a trusted friend.
I, personally, could not see the problem even were it cannabis. If it was a bottle, or glass, of alcohol, I'd be far more concerned that he represented me, were that the case. Either way he doesn't bother me in the least.
Danczuk and Baker have been briefing against Farooq Ahmed since he refused to be bullied by them last year into withdrawing his advertising from Rochdale Online - Danczuk and Baker hate Rochdale Online. For the absence of any doubt ask yourself why they would distribute this video to the media rather than simply passing it to the authorities to investigate, and why they would do this without giving Farooq Ahmed an opportunity to explain first?
So sad to see that the Labour party locally and nationtially is divided. It is absolutely appalling to see that the Labour party has let Rochdale down so badly, because Rochdale is regarded as a ghost town of the north, just like Nelson and Burnley. This is because there a very limited opportunities to encourage enterprise.
Mr. Ahmed has only himself to blame. We require the highest standards of behaviour from our elected representatives. Shows total lack of character on his part that he now blaming others for his behaviour on the video.
What a stitch up! Labour member Jason Ali video's Cllr Ahmed, then three years down the line uses this to try and ruin Cllr Ahmed's reputation. It is sick and disgusting that people can be like this! Shame on you and the people behind this set up!
I think Mr Farooq is a Michael Jackson clone!
Have Your Say
Will Darth (Matt) Baker who on the orders of his Master Lord Danczuk now resign for sending the video and press releases to the various sources in the media?
Furthermore, will Simon apologise for the way he has behaved and confirm he will step down at the next general election? Does Simon accept his behaviour along with Matt Baker's is not fit for any office yet alone that of the MP?
By PhilScholes @ 22/02/2012 13:47:29