The outcome of an investigation into a councillor accused of asking for political favours is to be published next month.

Redbridge Council is looking into reports that Cllr Roy Emmett e-mailed the head of council in 2015, asking him to support plans to extend a community centre’s opening times for Ramadan.

The investigation into these allegations, brought forward by the Conservative group, was launched by the council’s monitoring officer and is being conducted by an independent body.

Asking for political favours goes against the councillors’ code of conduct, but Labour members questioned why the three year old email surfaced right before a local election.

The findings of the investigation will be presented at the Governance and Assurance Committee meeting on July 23.

The e-mail read:

Hi Bert

One item on tomorrow’s agenda is for the Community Centre at 628 New North Road. The application is for and extra hour during Ramadan.

The Chair of the Centre, Dr Hameed, has asked me to request support from the Labour members. This is, I understand, in line with recommendations.

The Community Centre is not perfect (what is) but Dr Hameed and the centre have supported Labour candidates, and the centre has made premises available for a meeting between LBR Officers, councillors and local businesses.

I’d be grateful if you could do your best.

Thanks

Roy Emmett