Wes Streeting aide ‘flashed terrified 13-year-old girl before chasing her down street as she banged on doors for help’_Nhy
Wes Streeting‘s aide exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl before chasing her down the street.
Sam Gould, who is a senior caseworker to the Health Secretary, is said to have followed the girl after she saw him sitting in his car with his trousers down.
The girl had been on her way to meet a group of friends on Saturday when she saw the 33-year-old performing a sex act, The Sun reported.
She immediately ran away upon seeing the Labour councillor, who then followed her into a cul-de-sac in Romford, East London.
The alleged victim then began banging on doors desperately seeking help before a passing motorist came to her aid.
The driver also noted down the offender’s registration number, which meant police were able to track Gould down and arrest him later that day.
He was charged with two separate counts of indecent exposure – the second relating to another incident involving a 25-year-old woman in Hornchurch last month.
Gould appeared at Barkingside Magistrates’ on Monday where he pleaded guilty to both counts. He has been released on bail and is due to be sentenced at the same court on April 7.
Labour Councillor Sam Gould allegedly exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl before chasing her down in the street
Gould, who is a senior assistant to Health Secretary Wes Streeting (pictured), is said to have followed the girl after she saw him sitting in his car with his trousers down
The Redbridge councillor has been suspended from the Labour party and has also resigned from Mr Streeting’s Ilford constituency office.
Gould is facing calls, including from the Health Secretary, to resign from his position on Redbridge Council.
Mr Streeting said in a statement: ‘There are no words to express my horror that a mother and her daughter have been put through this ordeal, and will have to deal with the trauma of it for some time to come.
‘As soon as I was made aware of his arrest he was suspended, and as soon as the guilty plea was entered I took immediate steps to sack him through official HR processes.
‘There are no excuses for his appalling behaviour. I am calling for him again to resign as a Redbridge councillor immediately.’
A Labour spokesperson said: ‘These allegations are extremely serious and upsetting.
‘As soon as they were brought to our attention, Mr Gould was immediately suspended both from his role in the constituency office and from the party, pending a police investigation.
‘We will not be providing any further comment during legal proceedings.’
Gould is facing calls to resign from his position on Redbridge Council. Pictured: Redbridge Council building Lynton House
Redbridge Council leader Cllr Kam Rai said: ‘I am shocked and appalled by the actions that have come to light over the weekend of Councillor Gould.
‘As soon as Mr Gould’s arrest was communicated over the weekend, he was rightly suspended by the party.
‘Unfortunately there is no process for his suspension from the council. My heart goes out to the victims who have had to endure his despicable behaviour.
‘Redbridge Council will continue to work closely with the police to support their investigation, and I would like to personally thank them for their immediate and timely action.
‘Following the inexcusable betrayal of his residents, the council, and our wider community, it is only right that Mr Gould immediately resign as a councillor and face justice.’
Redbridge Council also issued a statement: ‘Today, the Metropolitan Police Service has confirmed that a serving elected member of Redbridge Council has pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault under the Sexual Offences Act 2023.
‘The Council member concerned is Mr Sam Gould. He is a ward councillor in Hainault.
‘Mr Gould appeared today (Monday 10 March 2025) at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court.
‘As a council, we are deeply disturbed by this matter. Following Police involvement, we’ve taken immediate steps to ensure that the council member concerned no longer has access to council systems.
‘This matter is now subject to future criminal proceedings, so it is inappropriate for the Council to provide any further comment.’
