A newly elected Newham councillor has been charged with sexual assault.
Syed Hussain Ahmed, who represents Beckton ward, is accused of a sexual assault offence alleged to have taken place in the City of London on 8 October 2025.
The incident was reported to police on 7 January 2026. Cllr Ahmed was arrested on 4 March 2026 and charged on 15 May 2026. He first appeared before magistrates on 19 June 2026.
Cllr Ahmed appeared at Inner London Crown Court on 17 July 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
He was released on conditional bail and is due to appear before the same court again on 13 December 2027.
Cllr Ahmed was elected as a Labour councillor for Beckton ward on 7 May 2026. The Labour Party has since suspended him.
Newham Council confirmed that Cllr Ahmed has been sitting as an independent councillor since 15 July 2026.
The council’s website also states that he will not be holding councillor surgeries “until further notice”.
A Newham Council spokesperson said: “Councillor Syed Hussain Ahmed was elected in May to represent the Beckton ward. From July 15, Cllr Ahmed now sits as an independent member.”
Both Cllr Ahmed and the Labour Party have been approached for comment.
