First female Muslim Lord Mayor arrested as officers probe 'misconduct' allegations
BRITAIN'S first female Muslim Lord Mayor has been arrested in connection with allegations of perverting the course of justice and misconduct in a public office.
Labour's Naveeda Ikram was Britain's first female Muslim Lord Mayor
Labour councillor Naveeda Ikram took on the role in 2011 but was suspended by her party amid allegations of "financial irregularities" last year.
The former Lord Mayor of Bradford, 42, was arrested and questioned by officers in Halifax, West Yorkshire last week.
Councillor Ikram, who denies the allegations, emphasised she has not been charged with anything.
It would be best to avoid speculation on social media
The mother-of-three said: "This is a very difficult time for myself, my family, friends and children.
"To avoid any prejudice or bias, it would be best to avoid speculation on social media, Twitter and Facebook.
"I will be hopefully exonerated... No, not hopefully – I will be exonerated."
The 42-year-old old was arrested and questioned by West Yorkshire Police
Councillor Ikram, who was elected to Bradford Council in 2004, said she had been pressing the police to conclude their probe.
She said: "The past four months I have been asking the police to expedite the matter and carry out the investigation as soon as possible. That is what they are doing."
She added: "I want to continued as a committed councillor and to continue with my work."
Councillor Ikram was elected to Bradford Council, pictured, in 2004
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "A 42-year-old woman from Bradford was arrested in connection with allegations of misconduct in a public office, localism offences and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
"She has been bailed pending further enquiries."
The force declined to comment on the nature of the alleged "localism offences".