Readers will recall coverage of the offer to councillors of free funfair tickets for friends and family to George Irvin's funfair. Irvin is also the developer applying for planning permission for 4 3 storey houses in Barham Park.
The councillors who took advantage of the offer were Cllr Rita Begun and Cllr Rita Conneely (Kilburn ward) and Cllr Gwen Grahl (Cricklewood and Mapesbury).
Cllr Rita Begum is a Labour representative on the Planning Committee.
Leader of the Council, Muhammed Butt, declared Wembley Arena tickets to the value of £100 for 'Misfits Boxing'.
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41 comments:
Only three???
Please share if you have evidence of other Brent councillors at the fair in Roe Green Park on Friday 21 or Saturday 22 April.
Let’s hope that Councillor Ajmal Akram has declared his 2 free ‘Club Wembley’ tickets for the FA Cup Semi Final Man Utd v Sheffield - we saw him there so know that he had them.
Assalamualaikum Cllr Akram is the ultimate workaholic and we are very lucky to have him in Wembley he has hashad hhas a d has a diabled has a disabled son who supports Manchester United And we all believe
Councillor Akram is blessing for wembley residents long may he be a councillor
Are they also being offered free tickets fun the Irvin funfair currently in Barham Park?
Hi, 2 tickets were provided to me by a local RA as Local resident of Brent, also knowing that my son has special needs requirements and is a United supporter who wanted to attend.
Just to make it clear I attended as he could not attend on his own due to his disability and therfore I had to attend with him, also a point to note is that I'm actually an Arsenal supporter.
In future if you recognise me please do come and introduce yourself.
Cllr Akram
They were still free tickets so should be declared in the register of interests.
The football tickets were a gift worth a lot of money so should be declared in the register of interests.
For true openness all gifts to councillors should be declared in the council register of interests.
Declarations of interest
Elected councillors, and anyone that has been co-opted onto a committee of the Council, must declare interests in relation to:
any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried out for profit or gain
any companies in which they are a remunerated director
sponsorships received
contracts between them and the council, or contracts with companies they are involved in
land in the area of the city council they own or control or have an interest in
licences to occupy land in the city
corporate tenancies where the council is the landlord
securities, significant shareholdings worth more than £25,000
bodies to which they are appointed or nominated by the council
interests in charities, societies and other bodies
gifts and hospitality received in excess of £100 in value
All declarations of interest, gifts and hospitality can be found on the individual councillors pages.
https://www.brent.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/council-representatives/councillor-interests-and-expenses#declarations
Cllr akram is 100%, honest and any one who knows him knows w his value i trust his judgment any time any time
I trust
Mr akram. We all. Back you bless your son
Cllr Akram is our light and our sun, who are those who doubt him and cast shade upon him enjoying Manchester united with his son? May peace be upon him Allahu Akbar
It's nice to see Cllr. Akram's family and friends supporting him after he forgot ! to register the gift as is mandatory. The odd notes of support doesn't preclude a councillor following the rules.
This is not a matter of trust but a matter of transparency - all councillors should declare gifts received.
and hopefully the rules of the relevant Residents Association deal with who decides on allocations out to residents in respect of tickets received for the benefit of the Association, and ensure that tickets are fairly and openly dispensed and declared by the Residents Association, especially as there may be many of their residents who might benefit. As a matter of interest, do many Residents Associations get tickets? Whatever the source, of course, the hospitality/gift has to be declared
I’m a resident of the ward Councillor Akram is assigned to and when declaring a gift , an accurate financial value has to be attributed to the gift before it can be declared . In this case no accurate market value was available and even if there was , it certainly would have been within the £100 declaration threshold , hence making any requests to declare the gift totally irrelevant , and rather a waste of time and valuable resources . Further , one should consider the substance of the transaction rather than it’s form. In essence , the tickets were provided by the RA in order to bring a little happiness to a child with special needs . As the young child was not physically fit enough to be able to go to the match unaccompanied , Councillor Akram went along so his son could have an outing . In these times of incredible turmoil and distress all over the world , why begrudge a little pleasure afforded to a young child with special needs in this negative manner ? That is the essence and substance of the transaction . Councillor Akram has always given 110% to his work helping local residents and he is extremely ethical and positive by nature and it’s rather a shame to read such grudge-filled abhorrent comments .
This is a sham
about Mr Akram
we back you
as you back us
Do you people not understand that councillors have to be beyond reproach. It is simple, declare the tickets and stop making irrelevant excuses for not declaring. This producing support comments is so very silly when all he needs to do is declare the gift and give it a realistic value and be done with it.
Yes they should declare it IF and only IF it is over the declaration threshold ! If it is NOT over the threshold it is pointless to declare it . Don’t patronise others , we are not as ignorant as you are implying . Thank you .
In the vibrant city locality of Brent,
Resided a councillor named Akram, content.
Loved by the residents, he held their trust,
With his caring nature and hard work that were a must.
One fine day, Akram planned a special treat,
To take his son to watch the football, a feat.
Adorned in their finest, they headed to the field,
A journey of joy, their hearts ready to yield.
Hand in hand, they strolled through the bustling crowd,
Akram's son amazed by the cheering, so loud.
The city residents greeted him with warmth and glee,
For Akram's dedication, they could clearly see.
With a gleam in his eye, Akram began to convey,
The magic of the game, in his own pun-filled way.
"Son, the goalposts represent our aspirations high,
Just like I aim to uplift Brent, reaching the sky!"
Perplexed yet intrigued, his son listened with delight,
As Akram unraveled the football's insight.
"The players, my boy, are like community leaders,
Guiding and working for the city's future believers!"
His son chuckled, catching on to the punning spree,
As they soaked in the game, father and son in harmony.
"The referee, my son, acts as the voice of justice,
Just like I strive to maintain fairness and trust!"
Laughter echoed through the stands as the match unfurled,
Akram's puns, a testament to his love for the world.
"The penalties, my son, they're like life's tough calls,
But I'm here to support our community through it all!"
Father and son bonded, sharing moments so dear,
Akram's love for Brent, evident and clear.
His son realized the depth of his father's impact,
A councillor adored, his reputation never lacked.
Not just a representative of the city's decree,
But a beacon of compassion for all to see.
For Akram's puns brought laughter and joy,
Binding the residents, a united buoy.
As the final whistle blew, the crowd erupted in cheer,
Akram's son whispered, "Dad, you're sincere!"
Akram's heart swelled with love and pride,
Knowing his dedication touched lives far and wide.
For Akram, the councillor, beloved by residents true,
Their support and admiration, an everlasting glue.
Together they'd build a city full of dreams,
With laughter and hard work, brighter it gleams.
Unbelievable, just declare it as you should and stop inflicting others with this nonsense
I agree that Brent Council needs a better Leader.
I don't know Cllr Akram, so can't comment on his suitability for the role, but you have certainly given him a strong endorsement.
Cllr Akram is apparently Cllr Mo Butts brother in law!
United never played Sheffield they played Brighton?
Wow - whoever you are -you really must have a lot of free time on your hands to write such an eloquent long story ! I can only conclude from your very long essay that you are excellent at story telling ! Or shall I rephrase it as ‘telling tales ‘
Anonymous31 May 2023 at 20:57 says "I am writing to strongly advocate for Cllr Akram's decision to take his son to the football, and to emphasise that ... it was his right as a dedicated councillor"
He has no such 'right' as a councillor - he's been elected to represent his constiuents many of whom face equally difficult challenges in their personal lives - the tickets were a gift from Wembley Stadium, with a value of well over £100 and as a locally elected councillor he needs to declare them.
We are NOT questioning his choice to take his son, any of us parents would do the same, but a gift of this value does need to be declared.
Annon 1 June 2023 at 16:40 you are completely correct. If a councillor can't keep to the basic tenets of the role he should resign
Cllr Akram is the people’s choice:
Cllr Akram's position as an elected official rests on the foundation of democratic principles. In a free and fair election, the people of his constituency entrusted him with the responsibility of representing their interests and advocating for their concerns. The electoral process is designed to ensure that those who hold public office are chosen by the majority, reflecting the will of the people. The opinions of social media users, while valuable for fostering discussion, cannot undermine this fundamental democratic principle.
The influence of a small, vocal group on social media should not be equated with the broader sentiments of the entire constituency. The diverse opinions and perspectives of the people, including those who do not engage extensively with social media, must be taken into account when assessing the legitimacy of an elected representative. Succumbing to the pressure of a vocal minority on social media like you would be an affront to the democratic process.
Dear Anonymous,
Cllr Akram's Compliance Issue is an Isolated Incident that Shouldn't Disqualify Him from Leadership
Introduction:
Recent concerns have been raised regarding Cllr Akram's failure to comply with a simple requirement of declaring a gift, casting doubt on his suitability as a councillor and potential future leader. However, it is essential to consider this issue as an isolated incident rather than a reflection of his overall capabilities and qualifications. Cllr Akram's compliance issue should not automatically disqualify him from holding public office or prevent him from pursuing leadership roles within the council.
A One-Time Lapse in Compliance:
Cllr Akram's failure to declare a gift should be seen as a one-time lapse in compliance rather than a recurring pattern of misconduct. It is important to recognise that even the most competent individuals can unintentionally overlook certain administrative requirements. Jumping to conclusions and suggesting that this single incident disqualifies him from being a councillor or aspiring to leadership roles ignores his potential and contributions beyond this isolated incident.
Experience and Expertise:
Leadership positions within the council require individuals with experience, expertise, and a deep understanding of the community's needs. Cllr Akram, despite the compliance issue, possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge that qualifies him for such roles. His track record of community engagement, dedication to public service, and contributions to his constituency should be weighed against this single compliance lapse. It is unfair to dismiss his capabilities based on one mistake when he has demonstrated his commitment to the community over the years.
Importance of Learning and Growth:
One mistake should not define an individual's entire career or their potential to grow and improve. Cllr Akram's compliance issue can be seen as an opportunity for learning and growth. It is important to acknowledge his mistake, encourage him to rectify it, and provide necessary guidance to ensure such oversights do not occur again. By focusing on remedial measures and supporting him in his personal development, we can foster a culture of accountability while also nurturing potential leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to public service.
The Value of Supportive Networks:
Family connections should not automatically disqualify someone from holding public office or aspiring to leadership positions. While Cllr Akram's relation to Cllr Butt may raise concerns about favoritism or nepotism, it is crucial to judge him based on his individual merit and achievements. Being related to a current leader does not automatically guarantee success or guarantee future leadership roles. Cllr Akram should be assessed independently, considering his own accomplishments, skills, and dedication to public service.
Conclusion:
While Cllr Akram's compliance issue regarding the declaration of a gift is indeed a cause for concern, it should not be the sole basis for disqualifying him from being a councillor or aspiring to leadership roles within the council. It is important to recognise that this incident should be seen as an isolated mistake, rather than indicative of his overall abilities and commitment to public service. By providing support, guidance, and an opportunity for personal growth, we can ensure that such compliance issues are addressed and that deserving individuals are not unjustly hindered in their pursuit of leadership roles.
The gift of these 'club wembley' football tickets worth well over £100 should be declared. Cllr Mo Butt and other Brent Councillors have as declared similar gifts.
I have no words.
It appears Cllr Akram still hasn't registered his gift/hospitallity that he freely admits he received. Perhaps he has not read the Council's Code of Conduct for Councillors and Declarations of interest? See below.
Declarations of interest
Elected councillors, and anyone that has been co-opted onto a committee of the Council, must declare interests in relation to:
gifts and hospitality received in excess of £100 in value
Code of conduct
In line with the Localism Act 2011, when someone gets elected as a councillor they have to sign a declaration to abide by and uphold the Brent Member’ Code of Conduct.
Members are expected to observe this code when carrying out their duties.
The Code also defines the requirements concerning the disclosure of interests and gifts and hospitality. Each councillor is required to declare certain personal and financial interests, including any interests that might be seen as prejudicing their decision-making. The Monitoring Office will enter these into a register that we must keep by law.
Councillors have to keep their declaration up to date by informing the Council’s Monitoring Officer of any changes within 28 days.
We will investigate any allegation that a member has failed to comply with the Code and decide what action, if any, should be taken. If you feel that a member has breached the Code and wish to make a formal complaint please see make a complaint about a councillor.
To view individual members' interests go to the Democracy portal, where you can search by councillor name, ward or political party.
I think everyone is making getting carried away, if you check the Register of interests the tickets have been registered?
The gifts section seems to be a glitch or error from the council, so maybe people should check first before they moan!
It is important to approach allegations and concerns about the Barham Park planning application with a fair and objective perspective. While it is essential to ensure transparency and accountability in the decision-making process, it is equally crucial to avoid making unfounded assumptions or drawing conclusions without sufficient evidence. Let's examine the claims made and provide a rebuttal accordingly:
1. Cllr Mo Butt, Leader of Brent Council, is chair of the Barham Park Trust:
While it is true that Cllr Mo Butt is the Leader of Brent Council, and that he is currently chair of the Barham Park Trust, it does not necessarily imply any impropriety or ulterior motives. Public officials often engage in various roles and responsibilities within their community.
2. Cllr Saqib Butt and Cllr Ajmal Akram are both on the planning committee:
The fact that Cllr Saqib Butt and Cllr Ajmal Akram are members of the planning committee is not in itself indicative of any wrongdoing. It is common for local councilors to serve on committees that address various aspects of community development. Their involvement should not be automatically assumed as compromising the decision-making process.
3. Cllr Mili Patel is on the Barham Park Trust, and her husband, Cllr Matt Kelcher, is Chair of the Planning Committee:
Again, it is important to emphasize that mere associations or family relationships should not automatically cast doubt on the integrity of the decision-making process. If Cllr Mili Patel and Cllr Matt Kelcher have disclosed their affiliations and followed appropriate ethical guidelines, their involvement should be evaluated based on their individual merits and adherence to their responsibilities.
4. Cllr Krupa Sheth is on the Barham Park Trust, and her uncle, Cllr Ketan Sheth, is a Wembley Central councillor:
Similar to the previous points, family connections alone do not imply any wrongdoing or conflicts of interest. As long as the involved councilors have acted in accordance with their duties, exercised transparency, and disclosed any potential conflicts, their contributions should be evaluated based on the merits of their decision-making.
5. Cllr Rajan-Seelan is on the Planning Committee:
Once again, being a member of the Planning Committee does not automatically undermine the decision-making process. It is essential to consider the individual councilor's professionalism, adherence to ethical standards, and their ability to evaluate applications impartially.
It is crucial to remember that making allegations without concrete evidence can potentially harm the reputations of individuals involved. If there are concerns about the decision-making process or potential conflicts of interest, appropriate channels for lodging complaints or seeking clarification should be pursued. Public officials should be held accountable, but this accountability should be based on facts and evidence rather than assumptions or associations alone.
Finally, the involvement of family and friends in politics can contribute to a stronger sense of community and a deeper understanding of local issues. When individuals who share personal connections work together in political endeavors, they often bring a higher level of trust, cooperation, and shared values to the decision-making process. This can foster a more collaborative and cohesive approach to addressing community needs and concerns. Additionally, having family members and close friends engaged in politics can lead to increased accessibility and representation. People who are personally connected to elected officials may feel more comfortable reaching out and expressing their opinions, knowing that their concerns will be heard and considered. Furthermore, family and friends who are involved in politics may have a deeper knowledge and understanding of the community's history, culture, and specific needs, allowing them to make more informed decisions that benefit the local population.
If they've already been declared why didn't Cllr Akram advise that a week ago?
see that Brent Council website now shows the following finally declared by Cllr Akram …
“23.04.2023. 2 Semi final tickets - Manchester United v Brighton HA. Value £50.00 x 2. From Local Resident Association.”
BUT those tickets in the ‘club Wembley’ section would have been worth about £100 each not £50 each - let’s hope this will be corrected.
And ultimately the tickets were gifts from Wembley Stadium to the local residents association for distribution to local residents. Wonder which residents association this was?
Misrepresented entry, he's unbelievable
Interestingly the Cabinet Member, Chair of Scrutiny and a Planning Committee Member have gifts from Mr Irwin, each one of them have an influence on the decisions made about Mr Irwins property investments and of course his fairs that appear to pay only small fees, yet do extreme damage to the area's he uses. A definite conflict of interests there dear councillors. Will you refuse yourselves? Will the Chair of Scrutiny put Mr Irvin's special treatment by the council on the Scrutiny agenda?
What a load of rubbish - most people in Brent don't know that these councillors are so closely connected and most people would think that it's very odd that so many people from one family are in such high positions on the council
Did they get selected to stand for election because they are family members?
Who got overlooked as potential candidates because they closed ranks and kept it in the family?
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