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A London councillor who is a senior aide to Wes Streeting has been suspended from the party after pleading guilty to unlawfully exposing himself in public.
Sam Gould, who represents Hainault ward on Redbridge Council, pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent exposure over February and March in east London at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Monday.
He was released on bail at the hearing, according to The Sun.
Health Secretary Mr Streeting said he was “shocked and horrified” by the news, with Gould now also facing calls to resign as a Labour councillor.
Mr Streeting said: “No one should have to endure this behaviour and I am grateful to the police for taking swift action.
“A disciplinary process has been under way since I was made aware of his arrest at the weekend and, following his guilty plea, I am calling for him to resign as a Redbridge councillor immediately.
“He has abused my trust, the trust of my team and the trust of my constituents and must now accept the consequences of his actions.”
The 33-year-old pleaded guilty to exposing himself with intent to cause “alarm or distress” in two incidents on February 9 in Hornchurch and on March 8 in Romford.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Kam Rai, said Gould was immediately suspended from Labour when it learned of the news of his arrest over the weekend.
“I am shocked and appalled by the actions that have come to light over the weekend of Councillor Gould,” he said.
“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.”
Officials also said he has been barred from accessing council systems.
Gould is expected to be sentenced next month.
