Rochdale councillors have unanimously demanded the deportation of Shabir Ahmed, identified in council meetings as the leader of the grooming gang that abused young girls at two takeaways from 2007. The motion, tabled by Council Leader Cllr Neil Emmott, also underlined support for survivors and called on the government to close what councillors described as a legal loophole preventing removal.
Background and legal hurdles
Ahmed was jailed in 2012 for 22 years but was released earlier this month after serving 14 years of that sentence. He has been stripped of British citizenship and now holds only Pakistani nationality, but attempts to return him to Pakistan have been resisted by that country, the council was told.
Councillors drew attention to a provision of the Immigration Act 1971 which currently prevents the removal of a small group of Commonwealth citizens who arrived in the UK more than 50 years ago. They urged ministers to amend the law so it no longer bars deportation in cases such as this.
Council response and concerns
The council motion, led by Cllr Emmott, also reaffirmed backing for the victims of the grooming gang and their ongoing needs. In presenting the motion, Cllr Emmott said:
“For those survivors of grooming gangs and child sexual exploitation (CSE), every time this comes back into the media it tears a scab off the wound of those victims. Shabir Ahmed was the leader of the grooming gang and sexually exploited those women in our community. He showed no remorse at that trial. Let’s see him deported.”
Members across the political spectrum — including Reform, Workers, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats — supported the call. At the meeting, the Workers Party councillor Mohammed Shafiq was reported to have urged that foreign nationals who commit grievous crimes should face deportation regardless of race or ethnicity.
Recent developments and local impact
After his release, Ahmed was reported to be unable to return to his address in Oldham and is subject to bans from parts of Rochdale. He was located in Accrington but had to be moved after his presence was shared on social media, council papers said.
- Offence period: offences linked to 2007
- Conviction and sentence: jailed in 2012 for 22 years
- Time served: 14 years
- Nationality: stripped of British citizenship; Pakistani nationality only
- Legal barrier: Immigration Act 1971 provision cited
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Conviction year | 2012 |
| Original sentence | 22 years |
| Served | 14 years |
| Current age (council report) | 73 |
Councillors stressed the emotional toll renewed media attention takes on survivors and said the council will continue to press for measures to protect victims and their privacy. The motion lodged at the town hall also asked for ministerial action to remove the legal impediment and for clarity over how people released from custody are supervised and housed to minimise community risk.
What happens next
The council has formally requested central government intervention to change the relevant immigration rules and to pursue repatriation where possible. Any change to the law would require action by ministers and, potentially, primary or secondary legislation. The council will continue to monitor progress and has indicated it will work with partners to support victims while authorities consider next steps.
Local residents and community groups are likely to follow developments closely as ministers consider whether and how to amend the law cited by councillors.
