Rotherham councillor cleared in grooming probe

Rotherham Borough Council colleagues welcomed him back into the fold after South Yorkshire Police said their had found no evidence to support the claims.

Labour Group press officer Cllr Shabana Ahmed said: “We are pleased that Cllr Jahangir Akhtar has been cleared of all the allegations made against him in the recent Times article.

“Cllr Akhtar has always maintained his innocence throughout the investigations and fully cooperated with the enquiry.

“We want to thank South Yorkshire Police for conducting a through investigation and setting out the outcome in such clear terms.

“We can confirm Cllr Akhtar has of yesterday took up his duties as the Deputy Leader of Rotherham Borough Council along with his role as the Vice Chair of the Police and Crime Panel.”

Martin Kimber, chief executive of Rotherham Borough Council, said: “South Yorkshire Police have confirmed that the investigation has found no evidence to support the reported allegations, and will not be taking any further action.

“We would like to thank South Yorkshire Police for carrying out a thorough investigation and setting out their position in clear terms.”

See today’s Advertiser for an interview with Cllr Akhtar.