Local media reports in Nottingham say a city councillor has been suspended by her party as a result of a licensing prosecution.

Yahoo, citing the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), says Faith Gakanje-Ajala has been suspended by the Nottingham People’s Alliance, which serves as the opposition group on the city council. 

Earlier this month her case was dealt with in her absence at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, where she had been charged with failure to licence a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO).

It’s reported that she was fined £7,500 and ordered to pay a £2,000 victim surcharge and costs of £1,037.50.

A statement to the LDRS by the party said: “Nottingham People’s Alliance affirms that all renters have the right to live in safe, secure homes, and that all landlords must comply fully with their legal obligations.

“… We were made aware of the legal action taken against Councillor Faith Gakanje‑Ajala in her personal capacity, and of her stated intention to appeal the decision.

“To ensure due process, Nottingham People’s Alliance Group has taken the decision to suspend Councillor Gakanje‑Ajala from the group pending further investigation.”

A statement from Labour council leader Neghat Khan, quoted in local media in the city, says: “This prosecution sends a clear message, that no one is above the law, regardless of your status. 

“Nottingham People’s Alliance’s Councillor Faith Gakanje-Ajala was elected to represent some of our most vulnerable residents, instead she has been exploiting them and has now been prosecuted as a rogue landlord.

“In January this year, Nottingham People’s Alliance’s Councillor Gakanje-Ajala moved a motion to council seeking to challenge housing insecurity and access to safer housing for some of the most vulnerable people in Nottingham, including those seeking asylum in the city.”