Naveeda Ikram trial: Ex-lord mayor denies misconduct

Naveeda Ikram was the first Muslim woman to be a lord mayor in the UK

Britain's first female Muslim lord mayor has appeared in court charged with misconduct in a public office.

Naveeda Ikram denies using her position as a councillor in Bradford to champion Nexus Assist, which supports young people in care in the Bradford area.

Formerly a Labour councillor for Little Horton from 2004, she was Lord Mayor of Bradford in 2011-2012.

Prosecutor Chris Smith told Leeds Crown Court that Ms Ikram had been "anxious" to promote Nexus Assist.

However she failed to mention several personal links to the company, including acting as a guarantor for rent payments at its premises in North Park Road.

'Overstepping the mark'

The jury heard that Nexus Assist, which was set up by Ms Ikram's friend Ali Arshad, had unsuccessfully applied to become one of Bradford Council's approved service providers.

Despite not being approved and registered, in late April 2015 it accepted an emergency four-day placement from Leeds City Council for a teenager living in care.

The court was told that Ms Ikram vouched for the service and, as payment was due, an invoice was raised. Consequently Nexus Assist received £530.71, which was paid into Ms Ikram's personal bank account.

A month later she contacted Timothy Nelson, at Leeds City Council's children's social work services, to champion Nexus Assist.

Mr Smith said he felt she was "overstepping the mark: that she was attempting to use her power, position and influence to try and affect the council's decision-making process.

"The defendant did not mention her own links to this business."

The jury heard that she made further attempts to promote Nexus Assist to Bradford Council and to Kirklees Council via text and email.

Last year Ms Ikram pleaded not guilty to a charge of misconduct in a public office between 1 November 2014 and 31 August 2015.

The trial continues.