Cabinet councillor steps aside amid police inquiry

A Reform UK councillor has stepped away from his cabinet role, according to a council leader, after concerns were raised over his alleged arrest.

The leader of North East Lincolnshire Council, Oliver Freeston, said Councillor James Sawkins would "step away" as he "continues to grieve the loss of his father".

On Friday, local Labour MP Melanie Onn wrote to the chairman of Reform UK over Sawkins' involvement in an "ongoing police investigation".

On Saturday, Freeston said: "I understand that Councillor Sawkins has not been charged with an offence, and that the allegations concern a third party. Councillor Sawkins therefore remains a Reform UK councillor but is stepping away from Cabinet."

In a social media post, Freeston added: "I have agreed with Councillor Sawkins that, as he continues to grieve the loss of his father, who sadly passed away last month and is yet to be buried, he will step away from his cabinet responsibilities.

"Given the incredibly sensitive personal circumstances he is dealing with, I believe this is the right and responsible approach, and in the best interests of the borough."

Sawkins represents Waltham for Reform UK and was the council's portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities.

In September, Humberside Police said a man and a woman were arrested after police investigated reports of the sale of unlicensed medicines.

Officers said they carried out warrants at properties in Grimsby and Waltham on 11 September, where they seized suspected unlicensed prescription drugs and class A drugs.

The force said a 43-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman were arrested for a number of offences, including concealing criminal property, supplying unauthorised medical products and possession of Class A drugs.

In a letter to the party's chair Lee Anderson, Onn, the MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, asked if Reform UK were aware of the arrest and whether the party had "considered appropriate interim measures in relation to his party and council responsibilities."

Sawkins has not responded to the BBC's requests for comment. On Saturday, Freeston said he had nothing further to add.

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