Peterborough City Council leaders have issued statements after councillor Rylan Ray, 25, was charged with 26 sexual offences, including allegations involving children. Ray, elected in 2022 as the Conservative councillor for Eye, Thorney and Newborough, is due to appear at Huntingdon Magistrates’ Court today to face the charges. The case remains active.
Council leader Cllr Shabina Qayyum described the allegations as “appalling” and stressed that the authority would not interfere with the legal process. “I have full faith in the legal process to address the allegations and will not comment on the investigation as it is a live case,” she said. “My focus is to protect the people of Peterborough.”
Meanwhile, Conservative group leader Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald confirmed immediate action had been taken within the party. “In line with our group rules and Conservative Party policy, Cllr Rylan Ray’s membership of the Conservative group on Peterborough City Council and the Conservative Party has been suspended with immediate effect,” he said.
Ray, one of the council’s youngest members, had previously worked in local schools and volunteered with youth organisations. Proceedings continue.
