Peterborough City councillor Rylan Ray, 25, of Westgate, Peterborough, has been charged with 26 sexual offences and appeared at Huntingdon Court today (27 November).
The charges are:
- One count of sexual activity with a child under 16.
- Two counts of causing a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity.
- Six counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act.
- Three counts of sexual assault.
- Four counts of sexual communication with a child.
- Four counts of causing/inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.
- One count of rape
- Three counts of making an indecent image of children.
- One count of possession of prohibited images of children.
- One count of possession of extreme pornography.
Rylan Ray is a Conservative councillor for the Eye, Thorney and Newborough ward of Peterborough City Council.
Picture by Terry Harris.
Ray was elected to Peterborough City Council in 2022 as a Conservative councillor for Eye, Thorney and Newborough. At the time, he was among the youngest members of the authority, having secured his seat with a majority of more than 700 votes.
According to his published register of interests, Ray previously worked as a school staff instructor at Nene Park Academy and Stanground Academy. He also declared his role as detachment commander with the Fletton Detachment of Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force. His background includes volunteer work with local youth organisations and participation in cadet and reservist activities.
Sandmartin House, Peterborough Friday 12 September 2025. Picture by Terry Harris.
Ray first became involved in politics as a teenager, having supported local and national Conservative campaigns before seeking election. In interviews following his victory, he spoke about his focus on community issues such as road safety, school capacity, and strengthening local engagement.
This case is ongoing, and further updates are expected as proceedings continue.
Ray has been suspended with immediate effect from the Conservative Party.
UPDATE:
Ray appeared at Huntingdon court today where the charges were put to him. No plea was entered this stage, and he was remanded to appear before Cambridge Crown Court on January 5. No application for bail was submitted.
The defendant was taken to Huntingdon court from Thorpe Wood police station which he attended last night and where he was formally charged.
Today’s brief appearance at Huntingdon was before magistrates from Luton who conducted the proceedings via a video link.
Ray’s employment includes a spell from August 2023 to November 24 as a team leader for the HM Courts and Tribunals Service which is the likely reason an out of county court was invited to preside over today’s initial hearing.
His social media profile also indicates he worked as a campaign manager for the Conservatives from November 2017 to December 2020.
