'The allegations against me were baseless', councillor says as he returns to town hall's top table following arrest
05.03.2024 - 17:37
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
A high-profile Bury councillor arrested two months ago is returning to the cabinet after police dropped their investigation. Coun Tamoor Tariq 'stepped back' from his duties as deputy leader of the Labour-run council on January 3 having been detained by cops.
Police questioned the 33-year-old in connection with allegations of 'stalking and harassment' before releasing him on bail. Labour suspended Coun Tariq while the investigation took place. In the weeks that followed, he continued to represent the Redvales ward as an independent councillor.
Last month Greater Manchester Police informed Coun Tariq no further action would be taken. Following the police's decision, he has been reinstated by Labour and is now returning to the cabinet, as Bury town hall's deputy leader and member for health, adult care and wellbeing.
READ MORE: George Galloway issues warning to Greater Manchester MPs on first day back in Parliament
Coun Tariq has now broken his silence, speaking to the Manchester Evening News. He described the period as 'one of the most difficult' of his life.
The local politician, who has served on Bury council for 14 years, said the allegations related to case work he had undertaken supporting a domestic abuse victim. Claims were made about his conduct, which he staunchly denied from the get-go.
"Having to deal with the unknown of not having any idea as to what the allegations were... no idea as to what was going on and the fact it was my daughter's first birthday, will stay with me for a long time," Coun Tariq said.
"It was very painful, very hurtful to have been put through that. When you're going through a situation like that, hours feel like days, days feel like weeks, weeks feel like months."
Coun Tariq said