London councillor who flashed his genitals faces calls to resign

A Redbridge councillor is facing calls to resign after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent exposure. Sam Gould, a Labour councillor for the Hainault ward, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on Monday (March 10).

Gould, 33, pleaded guilty to intentionally exposing his genitals "intending that someone would see them and be caused alarm or distress," an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2023. He was released on bail and will be sentenced next month.

A spokesperson for the Labour Party said the allegations were "extremely serious and upsetting". They said: "As soon as they were brought to our attention, Mr Gould was immediately suspended both from his role in the constituency office and from the party, pending a police investigation."

Gould worked as a senior parliamentary caseworker for Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who has called for him to resign immediately. The Ilford South MP told the Sun: "I am shocked and horrified by this news and my heart goes out to the victims of these totally abhorrent acts. A disciplinary process has been under way since I was made aware of his arrest at the weekend and, following his guilty plea, I am calling for him to resign as a Redbridge councillor immediately."

Council leader Kam Rai echoed Streeting's words. He said Gould should resign and "face justice" but there was "no process" for him to be suspended as a councillor.

He said in a statement: "As soon as Mr Gould's arrest was communicated over the weekend, he was rightly suspended by the party. Unfortunately there is no process for his suspension from the council. My heart goes out to the victims who have had to endure his despicable behaviour.

"Redbridge Council will continue to work closely with the police to support their investigation, and I would like to personally thank them for their immediate and timely action. Following the inexcusable betrayal of his residents, the council, and our wider community, it is only right that Mr Gould immediately resign as a councillor and face justice."

Gould is still a serving councillor. He is listed on the council's website as a "member," rather than an independent. His resignation would trigger a by-election in the Hainault ward, which is also represented by Labour councillors Shah Ali and Lufta Rahman.

A spokesperson for the council added: "As a council, we are deeply disturbed by this matter. Following police involvement, we've taken immediate steps to ensure that the council member concerned no longer has access to council systems. This matter is now subject to future criminal proceedings, so it is inappropriate for the council to provide any further comment."

Gould was approached for comment.

Keep up with the latest East London news. Sign up to our MyEastLondon newsletter HERE for daily updates and more.

Story Saved

You can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.