Following the convictions of former Bracknell Forest Mayor, Naheed Ejaz, and former mayoral consort, Diwan Khan, at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, 11 February 2026, Bracknell Forest Council has made the following statement:
Susan Halliwell, chief executive, said:
“Our thoughts are with the brave young victim who has shown enormous courage.
“Sexual assault and sexual violence have no place in our society. We want to assure our residents that we will always play our part in ending sexual abuse and supporting victims
“We’d like to thank the police for bringing about justice in this harrowing case, which will undoubtedly have a long-lasting and life changing impact on the victim.
“The crimes the former mayor, Naheed Ejaz, and former mayoral consort, Diwan Khan, have been found guilty of were not committed while either of them were in their mayoral roles. They were also not committed in relation to Ejaz’s role as councillor, which she stepped down from in September 2024.
“As such, the council was not party to the investigation or asked to support it.
“The crimes were committed in Ejaz and Khan’s personal life outside of their civic roles. This does not make the crimes any less heinous, but we want to reassure residents that the crimes were not carried out during, or as part of, council business.
“In response to new government guidance and following consultation with all councillors, the council’s Cabinet agreed a policy on DBS checks for all councillors and the mayoral consort. This was agreed and implemented in October 2024. All our serving councillors have complied with this and have a current DBS check. The policy states that councillors should renew their DBS check annually, which the council will support them with in terms of administration. The policy is available on our website.
“Again, we would like to express that our sincere and deepest thoughts are with the very brave young victim, her family and her friends.”
Cllr Mary Temperton, leader of the council, has also released a statement. She said:
“I was appalled to learn of the crimes Diwan Khan and Naheed Ejaz have been charged and found guilty of and my thoughts go out to all those whose lives have been affected. Sexual violence will never be accepted.
“When Naheed Ejaz was selected to stand for councillor back in 2023, we had no reason to suspect that she would be involved in any criminal proceedings.
“ After her own arrest in September 2024, Naheed Ejaz resigned as a councillor – this was the first time I was aware of the investigation and her involvement.
“I want to thank the brave victim for coming forward and showing such courage and I also want to thank the police for their full and thorough investigation to secure justice.”
Information
Naheed Ejaz was elected in May 2023 and served as Mayor of Bracknell Forest from May 2023 to May 2024.
Ejaz stepped down from her councillor role in September 2024. A by-election was held in November 2024 for the seat.
Diwan Khan was mayoral consort for the May 2023 to May 2024 mayoral term. Our records show that he conducted no civic functions or engagements in 2024.
The council cannot comment on how political parties select their candidates for elections or the role of mayor. This is a matter for the relevant political party.
The council cannot comment on if, or when, a councillor steps down from their role. This is a matter for the individual and the relevant political party.
The council has no control over who is elected to a seat - this is a matter for the public as part of the democratic process. Likewise, the council, as an organisation, has no ability or power to remove a councillor from their seat or role.
Naheed Ejaz, 61, of Bracknell was found guilty of perverting the course of justice at Winchester Crown Court on 11 February, 2026. Diwan Khan, 41, of Bracknell, was found guilty of rape at Winchester Crown Court on 11 February, 2026.
Support and advice
You can report rape, sexual assault and other sexual offences to Thames Valley Police. Full information of how to report these crimes can be found on the police website.
Information about support available following sexual assault or rape is also available on the Thames Valley Police website, including details on how to access sexual assault referral centres.
