'I accept full responsibility for my actions': Blackburn mayor resigns after wedding party Covid breach

Lancashire Police said nine people were fined after being found at an address on Dukes Brow, Blackburn, at around 9pm on Saturday, February 13.

Blackburn with Darwen Mayor Iftakhar Hussain confirmed he was fined £200.

He said he regretted the "momentary lapse of judgment", adding that he "should have known better".

He said: "Being appointed as the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen during these unprecedented times has been challenging but an honour. It was a proud moment for me and my family.

"Today I am giving this up to protect the reputation of the borough.

"I hope my actions will serve as a reminder to the people of Blackburn with Darwen of the importance of following the Covid-19 guidelines as it remains a real and serious threat."

Mohammed Khan, the leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said he had accepted Mr Hussain's resignation, adding: "I know he deeply regrets this mistake. I would like to thank him for his dedicated service during this difficult year."

The Labour councillor said he had been taking part in a "remote meeting" all evening when his uncle called, at about 8.30pm, and "asked for some food to be delivered to his house".

"I agreed to facilitate this by going to the house and letting the food outlet deliver the food," he said.

"Once the food was delivered to the house, I remained there while my uncle returned.

"This was an error of judgement, and I know in hindsight I should have left the house under the current strict guidelines in place once the food had been delivered."

Lancashire Police said officers responded to a report that up to 30 guests were attending a ‘wedding’, adding: “There they found nine people inside. Each individual was issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice and was instructed to leave, which they did.”

Sayyed Osman, Deputy Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We have been informed that Cllr 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."

Deputy mayor Derek Hardman will take over mayoral responsibilities until a new mayor is chosen in May.

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