A councillor who was convicted of possessing £2,500-worth of drugs has resigned from Haringey Council.
Ishmael Osamor announced yesterday (Tuesday, October 30) that he was stepping down as a councillor and apologised for the “unwelcome attention” his case had brought to the borough.
Opposition parties had called on the 29-year-old – who is the son of Labour MP Kate Osamor – to quit after he pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply and a fourth charge of possession during a hearing at Bournemouth Crown Court on October 26.
In an email to council leader Cllr Joseph Ejiofor, Mr Osamor said: “I would like to take the opportunity to apologise to the council, as I have to my ward colleagues and residents, for the unwelcome attention my case has brought to Haringey.
“Ours is an amazing borough, full of inspiring people, as well as challenges that I was proud to help tackle. I remain committed to continuing to help in any way that I can.
“I would like to thank everyone at the council for their help and support over the last few months and I wish you all every success for the future.”
Mr Osamor served as deputy cabinet member for Broadwater Farm resident engagement following his election to West Green ward in May this year.
He was arrested in September 2017 after being caught in possession of cocaine, ecstasy, ketamine and cannabis at Dorset’s Bestival music festival.
Cllr Ejiofor said: “The Labour Party expects high standards from its elected representatives, and I know that Cllr Osamor has taken some personal time over the past four days to review whether his actions have met this expectation. We thought that it was right to allow him that space for reflection.
“He remains committed to working for the betterment of his community but realises that his recent conviction makes that particularly difficult at the moment.
“He acknowledges that sometimes, the things that you do jeopardise the things that you want to achieve.
“Consequently, Ishmael has decided to resign from Haringey Council. We respect his decision, thank him for his contribution to this administration and wish him well for the future.”
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