Mayor quits over packed party
THE Mayor of Luton resigned yesterday after accepting there was ‘no excuse’ for breaking Covid-19 regulations at a garden party.
Labour councillor Tahir Malik said he regretted his actions, which he admitted had been ‘below the standard of my position’.
He apologised last month after photos were shared online of him at the dozen- strong gathering with a face mask hanging below his chin.
Under social distancing rules, groups of up to six people from more than two households are allowed to gather outside or in each other’s gardens.
The party, on July 21, took place days before Luton was named as an ‘area of intervention’ by Public Health England because of rising virus cases.
Local Lib Dems last night accused Mr Malik of clinging to his office until it was clear the matter would probably be debated at a full council meeting.
Announcing his resignation, Mr Malik said: ‘I regret my actions which were below the standard of my position and would like to sincerely apologise to the people of Luton for attending this gathering which was in breach of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
‘There is no excuse for what I did. I felt it was important for the disciplinary process – both at the council and within the Labour party – to determine the outcome and the punishment for my actions, but after reflecting with my family, we agreed that the best thing I could do for the town was resign with immediate effect.’
Luton Borough Council received more than 120 complaints after Mr Malik and two other Labour councillors admitted attending the function.
Lib Dem leader David Franks said it is unclear what action the Labour Party was taking and warned it was ‘not the end of this disgraceful saga’.
A new mayor will be appointed on September 29.