A Lancashire County Council councillor has resigned from the Green Party whip following his arrest in Accrington, England, on November 6, 2025. Police detained Sohail Asghar and two other suspects as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected modern slavery offenses.
Councillor Gina Dowding, who leads the Green group on Lancashire County Council, confirmed that Asghar voluntarily stepped down: “Cllr Asghar has voluntarily given up the Green Party whip because there is an investigation,” she stated. “This will remain the case until the investigation is completed.”
Asghar continues to serve as an independent member of Lancashire County Council and remains part of the Progressive Lancashire Group in opposition.
Lancashire Police have indicated that the investigation remains active, with potential offenses including slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labor, and threats to kill. No charges have been brought at this stage.
Modern slavery refers to situations where individuals are exploited and unable to leave due to coercion, threats, abuse of power, or deception. It can involve forced labor, human trafficking, or other severe exploitation.
