A Labour councillor and former senior aide to Health Secretary Wes Streeting has resigned after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent exposure.
Sam Gould, 33, appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court in Ilford on Monday where he admitted exposing himself to a mother and her daughter in separate incidents. Following the conviction, Gould formally resigned from his role as councillor for Hainault ward on Wednesday.
Redbridge Council’s Labour leader Kam Rai confirmed the resignation and said he was “relieved” by the decision, describing the incidents as deeply troubling. He also voiced support for new legislation under the Criminal Justice Bill, which would allow local authorities to remove councillors convicted of serious crimes.
“Although Gould had been suspended from the Labour Party, there was previously no mechanism to force him off the council,” Rai noted. “I’m pleased the government has committed to changing that.”
Following Gould’s conviction, Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North and Health Secretary, sacked him from his position as an aide and strongly condemned his actions.
“There are no excuses for his appalling behaviour,” Streeting said. “There are no words to express my horror at what the victims endured.”
Redbridge Council confirmed it had taken swift action, revoking Gould’s access to council devices and facilities immediately after the charges came to light.
Rai added, “The past week’s revelations have been distressing, and my heart goes out to the victims for what they endured.”
A by-election to fill Gould’s seat is expected to be announced shortly.
Gould, who resides in Hornchurch, east London, has been bailed until sentencing on 7 April.
