A newly-elected councillor in Newham has been charged with sexual assault.
Syed Hussain Ahmed, a councillor in Beckton ward, is accused of a sexual assault offence in the City of London.
Charged in May
The alleged incident is said to have taken place on 8 October 2025 and was reported to police on 7 January. He was arrested on 4 March, charged on 15 May and appeared before a magistrates’ court on 19 June.
Cllr Ahmed pleaded not guilty at Inner London Crown Court today (Friday 17 July 2026) and has been released under conditions.
He is set to appear again at Inner London Crown Court on 13 December 2027.
Cllr Ahmed was elected for the first time as a Labour councillor on 7 May this year.
Suspended by Labour
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the Labour party has now suspended him.
Newham Council told the LDRS that Cllr Ahmed has sat as an independent councillor since Wednesday (15 July).
The council’s website also says that he will host no surgeries “until further notice”.
A council spokesperson said: “Councillor Syed Hussain Ahmed was elected in May to represent the Beckton ward. From 15 July, Cllr Ahmed now sits as an independent member.”
Both Cllr Ahmed and the Labour party have been contacted for comment.
