Councillor Farooq Ahmed suspended at his request

Councillor Farooq Ahmed

Councillor Farooq Ahmed has been suspended from the local Labour group at his request following a row in the street with a fellow Labour councillor.

Councillor Ahmed admits he had a row in the street with Councillor Neil Emmott. However, Councillor Emmott alleges that Councillor Ahmed screamed homophobic abuse at him, an allegation strenuously denied by Councillor Ahmed.

It is understood that both councillors have been interviewed by the police.

Councillor Ahmed says of his suspension request: “I have asked the local Labour group to suspend me until this matter is cleared up. I don’t want what is happening to me to reflect on my party or my colleagues. I have been the victim of discrimination and bullying myself and I would be the last person ever to put anyone through what I have been through. I categorically deny any accusation of homophobia and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the borough, which is what I have done for the last 25 years as a volunteer and councillor.”

Councillor Peter Joinson, Rochdale Labour Group Chief Whip, said: “We have accepted Councillor Ahmed's recommendation to suspend him. This is an administrative procedure which is usual in cases such as this. We will continue to review the situation as it develops.”

A spokesman for Councillor Emmott said he felt it would be inappropriate to comment whilst a police investigation is under way.