Redbridge councillor pleads guilty to indecent exposure

A Redbridge councillor has been suspended after pleading guilty to a sexual offence. Cllr Sam Gould, 33, who has represented Hainault ward on the council since 2022, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent exposure when he appeared before Barkingside Magistrates Court yesterday.

The Leader of Redbridge Council has issued a statement calling for a councillor to resign after he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault under the Sexual Offences Act 2023.

A member of the Labour Party, Cllr Gould was a senior aide to Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who in turn said he was "horrified" and called for him to stand down, telling The Sun : "My heart goes out to the victims of these totally abhorrent acts."

It is understood Gould is now sitting as an independent after being suspended by Labour but he has yet to resign from the council. Mr Gould appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court yesterday (10 March) and has been released on bail. He will be sentenced at the same court next month.

Redbridge Council leader Cllr Kam Rai said: "I am shocked and appalled by the actions that have come to light over the weekend of Councillor Gould. 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."

Redbridge Council has issued the following statement: "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."

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