Peterborough councillors and the city’s MP have issued statements after councillor Rylan Ray appeared in court charged with 26 sexual offences, including allegations involving children.
Ray, 25, of Westgate, Peterborough, appeared before Luton magistrates sitting via video link at Huntingdon on Wednesday, where the full list of charges was put to him. He faces:
- 1 count of rape
- 1 count of sexual activity with a child under 16
- 2 counts of causing a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity
- 6 counts of causing a child to watch a sexual act
- 3 counts of sexual assault
- 4 counts of sexual communication with a child
- 4 counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- 3 counts of making indecent images of children
- 1 count of possessing prohibited images of children
- 1 count of possessing extreme pornography
The court heard that the alleged offending took place between 2021 and 2025.
Ray spoke only to confirm his name, age and address during the brief hearing. Wearing a green hoodie and grey tracksuit bottoms, he did not enter a plea. No application for bail was made, and he was remanded to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on 5 January.
He was transported to court from Thorpe Wood police station, where he had attended on Tuesday evening and was formally charged. Because Ray worked as a team leader for HM Courts and Tribunals Service from August 2023 to November 2024, the initial hearing was held out of county to avoid any perceived conflict of interest.
Elected in 2022 as the Conservative councillor for Eye, Thorney and Newborough, Ray had been one of the youngest members of Peterborough City Council. He previously worked in schools, served as a detachment commander with the Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force, and was active in local youth organisations.
Political reaction
Political and civic leaders moved quickly to respond following confirmation of the charges.
Cllr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said:
“These are appalling allegations involving Councillor Rylan Ray. 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. My focus is to protect the people of Peterborough.”
Cllr Wayne Fitzgerald, Leader of the Conservative Group, confirmed that Ray had been suspended from both the group and the national 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.”
Andrew Pakes, MP for Peterborough, said the situation raised further questions for the local Conservative Party:
“These are sickening allegations, and I am pleased that the police have brought charges. I will not comment on a live investigation but this whole terrible situation also raises serious questions for the Conservative Party to answer about how long they have known about these allegations.”
Internal council communication
In an email to all staff, Matt Gladstone, Chief Executive of Peterborough City Council, confirmed the authority had been formally notified by police and reminded employees of their legal responsibilities now that proceedings are active.
Gladstone stressed that the case is subject to sub-judice rules, preventing public discussion of the allegations, and that victims are entitled to anonymity. He also highlighted that Ray remains an elected councillor, as disqualification can only occur following a custodial sentence of at least three months under the Local Government Act 1972.
He added: “I am conscious of the impact this situation may have on colleagues, officers and the wider community. Further updates will be provided if and when it is appropriate to do so.”
