A FORMER top Dudley councillor accused of sexual assault has confirmed allegations made against him have been dismissed – bringing to an end a “three-month nightmare”.

Shaz Saleem, who was Conservative councillor for Kingswinford North and Wall Heath and a cabinet member on Dudley Council when the allegations surfaced in January, was suspended from the Tory party just as candidates were throwing their hats into the ring for the local election.

The suspension meant he couldn’t stand as a Conservative and, after sitting as an independent councillor until his term of office expired, he stepped away from politics while police investigated.

However – it has now been confirmed that the police investigation has concluded and no action is to be taken.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said today: "A 37-year-old man arrested on February 15 on suspicion of sexual assault will face no further action."

Avid community fundraiser Shaz, who maintained his innocence, said the news had “restored his faith in humanity” and he branded the saga “a politically motivated attack”.

Dudley News: Shaz Saleem in his former role as Dudley Council cabinet member for highways and public realmShaz Saleem in his former role as Dudley Council cabinet member for highways and public realm (Image: Dudley Council)

In a statement on his Facebook page, he said: “I’m pleased to announce the police have concluded their investigation and the CPS have dismissed the false allegations made against me ending the three-month nightmare.

“I’ve always heard the expression that politics is a dirty game, but to actually live it, has been something else. This is not the first attack on me as during the 2021 election campaign there was a fake leaflet that went out inciting racial hatred towards me.

“On February 15 eight police officers attended my office to arrest me after an allegation was made. I was told then that this matter would be dismissed, but to have the matter stretched out for over three months has been draining.

“I like to highlight the fact I was never charged for this politically motivated attack.”

Shaz, a father-of-four, said he believes allegations were made to bring about his removal as a councillor for Kingswinford North and Wall Heath and to damage his reputation so he could not stand again.

Without indicating where the allegations may have originated from, he said: “They may have achieved the first outcome, but completely underestimated the love and support from the amazing residents of Kingswinford and Wall Heath.”

He said those who have supported him have been his “rock” through what he described as “the toughest” time in his life.

Shaz, who now hopes to return to the local political scene, thanked all those who supported him including Dudley Council leader Councillor Patrick Harley and he added: “I would like to thank my parents, my wife, friends who stood by me and all my family, they faced each day with me and every time I saw my children I knew I had to fight and to keep strong to set an example for them.

“I have always believed that with every setback, the comeback has to be greater.

"Believe me when I say this - the setback was the most challenging yet, but the comeback will be epic.”

Confirming his intention to stand as a candidate in the 2024 local elections next May, he vowed to “continue to work in the community that I love and I’m proud to serve”.

Cllr Patrick Harley said he was “very pleased” to hear Shaz had been cleared and he said: “I can only imagine what he has been through these last few months. I look forward to sometime in the future Shaz continuing his work within the community as a Dudley councillor.”