A Green Party county councillor in Lancashire has been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and common assault, throwing the local party into turmoil.
Arrests Made in Accrington
Sohail Asghar, the 29-year-old Green Party representative for the Accrington West and Oswaldtwistle Central division on Lancashire County Council, was arrested on November 6. The arrest took place at a property in Accrington. Police also detained a 51-year-old woman and a 55-year-old man from the same town as part of the same investigation.
Lancashire Police confirmed all three were arrested on suspicion of slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour. Asghar and the 55-year-old man faced additional allegations. Asghar was also arrested on suspicion of common assault, while the older man was held on suspicion of making threats to kill.
Party Suspension and Political Fallout
In response to his arrest, the Green Party has suspended Sohail Asghar. He has voluntarily given up the party whip, meaning he now sits as an independent councillor. However, he remains part of the main opposition Progressive Lancashire Group, which challenges the Reform-led council.
Councillor Gina Dowding, leader of the Green group on the county council, stated: "Cllr Asghar has voluntarily given up the Green Party whip because there is an investigation. This will remain the case until the investigation is completed." Joan West, vice-chair of the Hyndburn Green Party, cited "personal reasons" for Asghar relinquishing the whip.
Links to Senior Figures and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest is particularly embarrassing for the Greens as Asghar has been publicly pictured with senior party figures. In April, Green Party leader Zack Polanski posted on X praising Asghar for his "amazing energy." Asghar, a qualified football referee and taxi driver, has also been photographed with the party's deputy leader, Mothin Ali.
All three suspects have been released on bail pending further enquiries. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police provided details of the arrests, confirming they were all made on November 6. The Green Party and Councillor Asghar have been approached for comment.
