The Mayor of Hackney, Philip Glanville, has taken a leave of absence from his role as Labour investigates a photograph of him at a party with a former councillor involved in a child pornography sting. Anntoinette Bramble, his deputy, will temporarily replace him in the position.
Leave of Absence Confirmed Philip Glanville’s decision to step aside was confirmed on Monday. He had been suspended by the Labour party the previous week. According to the council’s constitution, he remained the elected mayor unless he voluntarily relinquished his position.
Controversial Photo Emerges The controversy stems from a photograph showing Glanville at a party with former councillor Thomas Dewey. Dewey had been arrested in a child pornography sting operation just two weeks before the image surfaced. The photo was taken at a Eurovision party on May 14, 2022, coinciding with the final of the competition, which Ukraine won.
Supporting the Investigation Process In response to his leave of absence, Glanville stated that he is stepping aside to support the ongoing Labour investigation and to ensure that the council can continue to serve Hackney’s residents during this period.
Former Councillor’s Arrest Thomas Dewey was arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) during a raid on his Hackney home on April 29, 2022, one week before he was elected as a Hackney Labour councillor. During the NCA operation, officers seized two laptops, two tablets, and a hard drive containing 249 indecent images of children, including some in the most severe category.
Suspension and Apology Upon learning of Dewey’s arrest on May 13, 2022, the council suspended him from his position, and Labour suspended him three days later. Following the publication of the incriminating photo, Glanville publicly acknowledged that attending the Eurovision party was an “error of judgment” and issued a heartfelt apology.
Legal Consequences Thomas Dewey, aged 36, admitted to downloading “sadistic” images of child sexual abuse and violent pornographic materials. He received a suspended sentence and is subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order as part of the legal consequences of his actions.
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