Greenwich Council’s leader has confirmed a councillor who has been charged with fraud has been suspended from the Labour party.

Addressing Greenwich Council on Wednesday, July 18, leader Danny Thorpe read an emotional statement regarding the situation with Tonia Ashikodi.

Ashikodi was charged on Wednesday with offences relating to fraud.

The council leader said: “Following the conclusion of a detailed investigation regarding Cllr Tonia Ashikodi’s council tenancy and a number of properties, I was advised yesterday afternoon that the council has decided there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge her with the following criminal offences:

“Two offences of fraud by false representation, contrary to sections 1 and 2 of the Fraud Act 2006.

“Jointly with another, an offence of perverting the course of justice, contrary to common law.

“Information relating to these offences were laid at Bromley Magistrates’ Court yesterday and will be served upon Tonia Ashikodi in due course.

“Tonia will be summoned to magistrates’ court in Bexleyheath on August 6 and the prosecution will be in the hands of the courts.”

The Glyndon Ward councillor was first elected in 2016, and the council leader has now confirmed she has been suspended from Labour.

Cllr Thorpe went on: “I am assured that officers have carried out investigations in a professional and diligent manner. The matter will continue to be dealt with by the chief executive and the head of legal services

“Given Miss Ashikodi’s position as a Greenwich councillor, there has been speculation. As a consequence of the charges, Tonia Ashikodi was administratively suspended from the Labour group by the national Labour party pending the outcome of the judicial process.

“Clearly it is of paramount importance that Miss Ashikodi’s fundamental legal rights to respond to the charges and to receive the hearing are respected.”

Opposition councillor Matt Hartley also addressed the chamber, thanking the leader for the setting out the council’s position.

Cllr Hartley said: “He’s right that we must respect the process. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty and any questions this matter raises must wait until the end of the judicial process.

“I’m sure he’ll join me in hoping that all parties including residents exercise extreme care about this matter.”

Responding to a question from Cllr Hartley, Cllr Thorpe said that appointments for Miss Ashikodi that had been decided by the Labour group would be suspended, while those decided by the council would remain.