Taxi Driver Online

Noticed this the other day, particularly after Green leader Zack Polanski's recent stuff about more immigration being required because we need more bum-wipers

But didn't actually read past the headlines, but had a look earlier to see if there was anything about what it was all about.

No detail at all about the allegations, but the main tidbit is that he's a 'self-employed private hire driver'

Not clear where he's badged, and he's a county councillor rather than one at the licensing level. But looks like he lives in the Hyndburn Council area, which often features on here because of vehicle testing stuff and the like.

And certainly nothing to suggest it's job-related.

This is the Lancashire Telegraph piece, which has been rehashed by a couple of the nationals. At least one describes him simply as a 'taxi driver'.

(Note the photo of the councillor with Zack Polanski isn't the one used in the news article below, and just one I found online.)


Hyndburn Green councillor gives up whip because of probe

https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/n ... hip-probe/



An East Lancashire county councillor has given up the Green Party whip because of ‘an investigation’, which is understood to be criminal.

Cllr Sohail Asghar was elected to represent Accrington West and Oswaldtwistle Central division on the authority for the Green Party in May.

Now, the 29-year-old has voluntarily relinquished the Green Party whip at County Hall while the investigation proceeds.

He is now sitting on Lancashire County Council as an Independent, but remains part of the Progressive Lancashire Group main opposition.

The Lancashire Telegraph understands from multiple sources that his decision follows his arrest by the police earlier this month.

Cllr Gina Dowding, leader of the Green group on Lancashire County Council, said: “Cllr Asghar has voluntarily given up the Green Party whip because there is an investigation.

“This will remain the case until the investigation is completed.”

Hyndburn Green Party vice-chair Joan West said: “Sohail Asghar has given up the whip at County Hall for personal reasons.”

Neither would go into further details of the reasons for the self-employed private hire driver and qualified football referee’s decision.

The Lancashire Telegraph understand Cllr Asghar's decision to relinquish the county council whip – but not his Green Party membership – came after police arrested him and two others early last month as part of an investigation into modern slavery allegations.

Repeated attempts have been made to contact Cllr Asghar by phone, email and Facebook without response.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We have arrested three people as part of an investigation into alleged modern slavery in Accrington.

"A 29-year-old man from Accrington has been arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and common assault.

"A 51-year-old woman from Accrington has also been arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour, and a 55-year-old man from Accrington has been arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour and making threats to kill.

“The arrests were made at a property in Accrington on November 6, and all three suspects have been bailed.”