UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour councillor Carol Clark is under scrutiny for allegedly warning her paedophile son before his arrest while opposing a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
As reported by GB News, a Teesside councillor faces backlash for opposing a grooming gangs inquiry while allegedly tipping off her paedophile son.
Did Carol Clark warn her son before his arrest?
Carol Clark, a Labour politician, heads Stockton-on-Tees Council’s Children and Young People Committee. She faces mounting pressure for not disclosing a potential conflict of interest tied to her son’s criminal past.
Richard Clark, Carol Clark’s son, was sentenced to 12 years in 2018 for manipulating others into abusing their children. North Yorkshire Police linked Richard Clark to 41 child victims, leading to his confession to 26 crimes.
Following the inquiry, 17 children were placed under protection. A court revealed that Cllr Clark’s warning led her son to erase digital proof before his arrest, raising further questions.
According to media reports, police initially arrived at Richard Clark’s residence in Stockton, where his mother and brother resided.
It stated,
“While officers made their way to the school where he taught to arrest him, his mother warned her son and he uninstalled his Snapchat apps on his phone along with a teenage dating app.”
Stockton Council faces criticism as a complaint raises concerns over Cllr Clark’s suitability for her role, citing her alleged warning to her son about his arrest.
An anonymous complaint questions why Cllr Clark voted on the inquiry without disclosing an conflict.
The complaint questions the council,
“Given that 17 children were taken into care, can you guarantee that none of these children are in the care of Stockton local authority and therefore under the jurisdiction of the Corporate Parenting Board, of which Cllr Clark is vice-chair?”
Did Stockton Council back a grooming gangs inquiry?
Despite the government’s opposition, Stockton Council’s Labour leadership approved a motion in January calling for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.
Following GB News’ report on Jess Phillips rejecting Oldham Council’s request for a government inquiry, Stockton Council voted 29-21 in favor of a government-led review.
What did Stockton Council’s spokesperson say?
A spokesman for Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council stated,
“A complaint has been received and is being dealt with under the Council’s code of conduct procedures. Substantially similar issues were raised in a complaint received in 2018, and no breach was found.”
What did Matt Vickers MP say about Cllr Clark?
Matt Vickers, Conservative MP,
“The facts in this case, and the alleged role played by the Councillor are very serious and gravely concerning. Residents have been in contact with me to share their concerns, specifically following Cllr Clark’s decision to vote against a National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs.”
He stated,
“Such sick and depraved individuals as Richard Clark are a danger to society, with many residents rightly concerned that he may be coming up for release soon,” adding, “Residents and taxpayers of Stockton rightly want answers as to why someone who is reported to have warned her paedophile son of his imminent arrest, can chair the Children and Young Person Committee while serving on the corporate parenting board responsible for the welfare of children in care.”
Mr Vickers said,
“Similarly, they want to know how someone in such a position can be allowed to oppose calls for a grooming gangs inquiry without declaring an interest. Residents deserve answers to their questions.”
What are grooming gangs in the UK?
Grooming gangs in the UK are organized groups that exploit vulnerable children through abuse and manipulation. These networks often target those in care homes or critical situations, using coercion to maintain control.
Authorities have faced backlash for delays in addressing the issue, raising concerns about systemic failures.