THE LEADER of the council, who has been suspended by his own party, is being investigated for sending a pornographic video to members of staff.

Cllr Sohail Munawar has been removed as leader of the Labour Group pending the outcome of an investigation by the Labour Party.

A letter to Cllr Munawar from the Labour Party head office, seen by the Slough Observer, said: “These allegations include conduct which is in breach of the Party’s bullying and harassment procedure towards other Party members.

“There is also an allegation of sexual harassment in the form of an explicit video sent over Whatsapp to a number of other Party members.

“It is important that these allegations are investigated and the NEC (National Executive Committee) will be asked to authorise a full report to be drawn up with recommendations for disciplinary action if appropriate.”

The Observer understands that Cllr Munawar accidentally forwarded a pornographic video, which featured a cucumber, to contacts on his phone.

In an interview on Asian Star radio, Cllr Munawar said the situation had “torn my family apart,” and they were “in pieces” and also said that his daughter, mother and sister were among the recipients of the video.

The deputy leader of the council, Cllr Sabia Hussain, is now the interim leader of the Labour Group, until an Emergency General Meeting is held. This is set to be in the next few weeks.

Christine Hulme, chairwoman of the local Labour Party, said: “Cllr Munawar is no longer leader of the Labour Group.

“The Labour Group will be having a meeting in the next couple of days, where they will decide upon their next leader.”

The investigation is being headed by Robert Evans, of the South East Regional Board for the Labour Party.

While the investigation is ongoing, Cllr Munawar cannot attend Labour Group meetings, although he is still expected to comply with the Group’s commands.

Cllr Munawar remains leader of Slough Borough Council.

He will remain leader regardless of the outcome of the Labour Party investigation, unless he resigns, or a motion is put forward to remove him in the next full council meeting on Tuesday, November 28.

Cllr Munawar, speaking about his suspension, said: “Obviously, if the Party has received complaints they have to take action and I will be co-operating fully with any investigation.

“After any investigation has been concluded, if the complaints are not upheld then I hope for an apology from the Party and action against the complainant, but if the complaints are upheld I will do what any honourable person does and step down.

“Until then, I intend to remain the leader of the council.”