Harrow councillor for children, Brian Gate, quits after child porn arrest

The councillor in charge of the borough’s children has resigned after being arrested on suspicion of having indecent images of children.

 Councillor Brian Gate, cabinet member for children, schools and families, was arrested at his Harrow home on September 24 by detectives from the Metropolitan Police and has been bailed until early November pending further enquiries, the Harrow Times can reveal.

Harrow Council will formally announce his resignation at tomorrow night’s cabinet meeting, but councillors and senior headteachers from across the borough have already been informed of his arrest.

Cllr Gate, who is married to Harrow on the Hill councillor Ann Gate, has been in his post as portfolio holder for children since May, but has been responsible for schools and families since Labour took control of the council after the 2010 General Election.

In a statement, the Met said: “We can confirm that a 57-year-old man was arrested on September 24 at a residential address in the Harrow area on suspicion of the possession of indecent images of children.
“He has been bailed pending further enquiries until early November.”

During Cllr Gate’s tenure, Ofsted rated the borough’s ability to safeguard children and look after those in care as “adequate” – the minimum requirement – and said services to protect the most vulnerable youngsters required improvement.

Harrow Council has suspended Cllr Gate, who has also resigned his school governorship at St Dominic's College.

Cllr Mitzi Green, who held the children’s services post until May, will temporarily take over the role while investigations continue.

In a statement, the council said: “The council acted promptly to immediately suspend Cllr Gate and to follow all proper safeguarding procedures.

“Cllr Gate subsequently tendered his resignation as portfolio holder and from his governorships. Cllr Mitzi Green has agreed to temporarily take over the role.

“Mitzi has a wealth of experience having previously been the council’s cabinet member for children’s services.

“The safety of children is paramount for Harrow Council. As the police investigation is ongoing we cannot comment further.”

The Harrow Times tried to contact Cllr Gate but received no reply. Harrow Labour declined to comment.

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