LGA responds to letter on Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Following a letter and email sent to all councillors from Cllr James Giles and Cllr Jamal Chohan from The Royal Borough of Kingston, calling for recipients to sign up to a call for an immediate ceasefire in Israel and Gaza, with those not signing being publicly named, Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the Local Government Association, united with all LGA Group Leaders, said:

"The LGA does not endorse how this recent communication from Cllr Giles and Cllr Chohan was sent, nor the hurt, worry and distress that this has caused. We can also confirm that the LGA did not share any councillor email contact information.

"Pending investigation, Cllr Giles has stood down from all formal positions within the Local Government Association and all upcoming speaking opportunities at our events, with immediate effect.

"Cllr Chohan does not hold any formal roles within the LGA.

"We understand that The Royal Borough of Kingston's Monitoring Officer, the Information Commissioner's Office and the Metropolitan Police are aware of this ongoing situation."

Note to Editors

This statement is jointly made by Cllr Shaun Davies, Chair of the LGA together with:

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, Leader of the LGA's Labour Group

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Leader of the LGA's Conservative Group

Cllr Joe Harris, Leader of the LGA's Liberal Democrat Group

Cllr Marianne Overton, Leader of the LGA's Independent Group

Ends