Blackburn mayor resigns over Covid breach after attending wedding function

‘I do not want to make any excuses; I regret the momentary lapse of judgment’, Iftakhar Hussain says

Iftakhar Hussain was given the £200 fine after he said he inadvertently visited a wedding party (stock image) (www.alamy.com)

The mayor of Blackburn has resigned from his post after being fined by police for breaching Covid regulations.

Iftakhar Hussain was given a £200 penalty after he said he had inadvertently visited a wedding party so food could be delivered to a house.

Police attended the abode after receiving reports that up to 30 people would be attending address in Blackburn on Saturday night.

Mr Hussain apologised as he announced he would step down as first citizen of the borough following the breach of Covid-19 rules banning household mixing.

He said: “Given recent events, I have taken the decision to step down from my position as the mayor of Blackburn with Darwen with immediate effect.

“I believe this is the right thing to do and I no longer believe I can continue to serve as mayor to the best of my ability.

“I do not want to make any excuses; I regret the momentary lapse of judgment - I should have known better and I accept full responsibility for my actions.”

He added that he wanted to give his “deepest apologies” for any breaking of the lockdown restrictions.

Lancashire Police said a member of the public reported up to 30 guests would be attending a wedding celebration at the address, with nine people at the address when officers called.

Each was issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice and was instructed to leave.

Sayyed Osman, deputy chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We have been informed that Councillor Iftakhar Hussain has taken the decision to step down from the position of mayor of Blackburn with Darwen following the incident this weekend.

“We believe this was the correct course of action and reinforces the Council’s Members’ code of conduct, which highlights personal responsibility.

“We do not endorse or condone any behaviour that falls outside this code and the coronavirus restrictions and guidelines.”

Leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Khan, said: “I have accepted Councillor Iftakhar Hussain’s resignation as mayor of the borough following the incident this weekend where he was found to be in breach of Covid restrictions.

“I know he deeply regrets this mistake.

“I would like to thank him for his dedicated service as mayor during this difficult year.”

Additional reporting by PA