Letter: Let there be light!

All too often local newsworthy happenings appear to be swept under the carpet as far as the public are concerned.

The first and often only indication of something to be ‘questioned’ is when the local newspaper, in this case ‘The Star,’ brings it to our attention.

‘Well done’ the editorial team for your comprehensive publication of the allegations, brought by former SCC officer and head of city regeneration Simon Ogden against Councillor Mazhar Iqbal, currently Labour cabinet member for City Future, Development, Culture and Regeneration.

It is reported that the SCC investigation has been ongoing for several months. Without The Star printing Mr Ogden’s allegations would we have been told this by the council or would it have been swept under the carpet with Councillor Iqbal basking in the glory of his new cabinet appointment?

I am pleased to hear that the councillor has now been temporarily suspended from his cabinet duties while the investigation is completed.

Everyone is innocent until proven guilty – I respectfully suggest that it would be in the defendant’s best interest to submit his promised ‘robust defence’ to these allegations as soon as possible.

I firmly believe that had The Star not published Mr Ogden’s allegations at such length and prominence, resulting in an admission that the SCC was conducting an ongoing investigation, taking several months to date, we would all have still been floundering in the dark – let there be light!