Sentencing of former mayor and mayoral consort

Following the sentencing of former Mayor, Naheed Ejaz, and former mayoral consort, Diwan Khan, at Winchester Crown on Thursday, 30 April, the council has released a statement. 

Susan Halliwell, chief executive, said: 

“Our thoughts remain with the brave young girl whose life has been undoubtedly changed forever due to the heinous crimes of former Mayor Naheed Ejaz and former mayoral consort Diwan Khan.  

“We thank the police and judicial system for ensuring that both Ejaz and Khan received relevant custodial sentences.   

“While the crimes were committed in Ejaz and Khan’s personal life outside of their civic roles, it does not make them any less abhorrent.

“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.

“To further reassure and safeguard our residents, we have started a thorough investigation into the taxi licensing of both Ejaz and Khan. They held separate and distinct licences which were issued and revoked at different times.

“Given the gravity and seriousness of their crimes, it is right that we carry out an investigation, which will go through the relevant governance process. We cannot comment any further on the investigation until it is concluded later this year.

“In the meantime, we’d again like to express that our sincere and deepest thoughts are with the very brave young victim, her family and her friends.”

Cllr Helen Purnell, leader of the council, said: 

“Today is about the bravery of the victim who has spoken out. I want to thank her for her courage.

"While there will never be a punishment that eradicates the pain and suffering caused by this crime, it is right that both Ejaz and Kahn are now behind bars.

"Abuse against women and girls has no place in Bracknell Forest. I have put forward amendments to our domestic violence strategy to make sure more people in public roles are trained to intervene when they see unacceptable behaviours towards women in public.

"I have also launched an investigation into how Ejaz and Kahn were given taxi licenses, so that the public can have the full answers it deserves.

"We must not lose sight of the traumatic and frightening experience that the victim has endured. My thoughts are with her, and I thank again her for her strength in coming forward."

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. 

  
More 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.   

Ejaz and Khan were sentenced for their crimes on 30 April 2026 at Winchester Crown Court. 

A formal request to investigate the licensing of Ejaz and Khan and the timeline of the case was made by Cllr Helen Purnell when she became acting leader in March 2026.  

The investigation is ongoing and is likely to conclude in summer 2026. 
Naheed Ejaz, held two separate licences issued by the council:

• A licence to drive a home to school transport vehicle
• A private hire operator licence in respect of Royal County of Berkshire Transport Limited

Both licences were revoked in October 2024. Ejaz appealed the decision but has since withdrawn that appeal. The revocation remains in place.

Diwan Kahn held a hackney carriage and private hire driver licence, which was issued by the council in January 2021. This was revoked by the council on 11 January 2024 under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976. He did not appeal the council’s decision, and the revocation remains in place.