Croydon Labour Councillor stands down amid investigation by police

A Labour councillor has stood down amid a police investigation.

The leader of Croydon Council has confirmed that a former member of his group is being investigated.

On September 24 the Croydon Labour Party announced in a Twitter post that Niroshan Sirisena, pictured, had resigned with immediate effect following a ‘serious incident’.

But at a full council meeting on Monday, Councillor Tony Newman said that Mr Sirisena was under investigation by the police.

He was asked by Cllr Mario Creatura why he had resigned. Cllr Newman responded: “That is currently under investigation from the police.

“To make any further comment in this council chamber would be wrong.

“We are talking not just about issues pertaining to the councillor.”

But he added that he would brief Cllr Creatura in private.

Niroshan Sirisena was elected to represent Fairfield ward in May 2018 and described himself as founder /organiser of Croydon Momentum, the local branch of the grassroots political organisation supporting Jeremy Corbyn.

A by-election for the Fairfield ward will take place on Thursday, November 7.

Voting will take place at five polling stations in the ward during the usual polling hours of 7am until 10pm, and those eligible to vote should receive their polling card by Wednesday.

Labour and Conservative councillors and activists have started canvassing in the ward. And on Saturday Croydon Tories announced their candidate, Jayde Edwards.

Fairfield residents who are not on the electoral register can sign up at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote.

For more information about the by-election visit https://www.croydon.gov.uk/democracy/dande/elections/vacancy-in-fairfield-ward.