Bromsgrove election candidate resigns after undisclosed conviction

Luv Datta was set to stand as a Conservative candidate for Bromsgrove Central at the upcoming local elections on May 5.

However, it has now been confirmed that Mr Datta was jailed for four years in July 2007 for his involvement in a drugs gang.

At the age of 26, Mr Datta admitted to being a part of a gang that trafficked drugs in North Worcestershire.

A spokesperson for the Bromsgrove Conservative Association said Mr Datta’s resignation was accepted.

Mr Datta can legally stand as a councillor as his convictions are classed as 'spent.'

He did not legally need to disclose them, but failing to do so means he has broken the seven Principles of Public Life - a code of conduct for those seeking public office.

In a statement, the Conservative Association said: "Mr Datta has accepted that he failed to disclose all relevant information in his application to stand as a Conservative candidate.

“He has tendered his resignation, and it has been accepted.

“He will no longer represent the Conservative Party in the forthcoming local elections.”

Cllr Mike Rouse, agent for Mr Datta, said: “As soon as the information of his convictions came to light, he [Mr Datta] accepted he failed to disclose that, and we investigated accordingly.”

As the election will take place in just over two weeks’ time, ballot papers have already been printed, so Mr Datta’s name will still appear on the papers.

However, he will not be an official Conservative Party candidate and the party will not be campaigning on his behalf, instead, he will be standing as an independent. 

“It’s up to Labour and the Lib Dems to point out to the voters, they are more than capable of printing leaflets of the situation in Central ward,” added Cllr Rouse.

“We have done everything we can to inform voters, and it’s up to them to make their minds up.”

Cllr Rouse, on behalf of Mr Datta, said he does not wish to comment further.