Blackburn mayor steps down after breaching COVID restrictions

The mayor of Blackburn has stepped down after breaching coronavirus restrictions.

Iftakhar Hussain was fined £200, and has offered his “deepest apologies”.

Blackburn with Darwen currently has the 16th highest coronavirus infection rate in England, according to the latest government figures.

Mr Hussain, Labour councillor for the Bastwell area, was found by police on Saturday at a house in Blackburn after a member of the public called to report a “wedding”.

He described his attendance as a “momentary lapse of judgment” saying he “should have known better”.

He said: “Given recent events, I have taken the decision to step down from my position as the mayor of Blackburn with Darwen with immediate effect.

“I believe this is the right thing to do and I no longer believe I can continue to serve as mayor to the best of my ability.

“I do not want to make any excuses. I regret the momentary lapse of judgment – I should have known better and I accept full responsibility for my actions.

“Being appointed as the mayor of Blackburn with Darwen during these difficult and unprecedented times has been challenging, but it has been a great honour to have served the residents of this great borough. It was a proud moment for me and my family.

“I want to give my deepest apologies over any breaking of restrictions. 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.”

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said there were reports of up to 30 people attending a wedding in Duke Brow, saying: “There they found nine people inside celebrating the wedding, including two residents of the address.

“Each individual was issued with a £200 fixed penalty notice and was instructed to leave, which they did.”

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