Sarah Smith MP has confirmed that Shabir Ahmed, the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gangs, has been moved out of the Hyndburn constituency following her sustained intervention. Ahmed had been placed in Accrington, triggering anger among residents and the MP, who immediately vowed to get him removed. The relocation follows weeks of pressure and coordination between the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and Lancashire Police.
The MP for Hyndburn and Haslingden said she did everything in her power to secure his removal, and praised the agencies for working with her to achieve that outcome. However, she made clear that the situation should never have arisen in the first place, expressing deep sympathy for the victims of Ahmed's crimes.
"He should never have been placed in our community in the first place," Smith said. "I am pleased that, working with the Ministry of Justice, the Home Office and Lancashire Police, he has now been moved out of our constituency." She added that her thoughts remain with the victims, whose lives were changed forever by his horrific crimes.
MP demands wider exclusion zone and deportation
Smith is continuing to press for a much wider exclusion zone to prevent similar placements from happening again, and ultimately for Ahmed's deportation. She argued that foreign criminals who commit offences of this nature should not be allowed to remain in the country. The grooming gang scandal has left a lasting impact on many communities, and the decision to house its ringleader in Accrington was widely criticised.
Beyond the Ahmed case, Smith has been dealing with serious concerns over the Blue Ribbon Healthcare Group. An ITV investigation uncovered allegations of neglect, abuse and safeguarding failures at the care provider. Smith said the allegations are deeply disturbing and has called for a full investigation into every service commissioned from Blue Ribbon by Lancashire County Council.
Full investigation demanded into Blue Ribbon Healthcare
Smith revealed she had already raised safeguarding concerns with the county council about a sensitive issue at one of Blue Ribbon's properties before the investigation was broadcast. Following the new revelations, she repeated her call for a thorough inquiry. She stressed that people living in these settings are among the most vulnerable in society and must be treated with dignity and safety. "Where those standards have not been met, there must be accountability," she said.
On a more positive note, the government has announced £2.6 million to improve technical education facilities at the local college. Smith welcomed the investment, noting that technical education has long been undervalued. She said the funding will help address the skills gap by giving young people access to modern equipment and practical training, boosting their employment prospects and supporting the local economy.
College funding boost welcomed
Smith expressed gratitude to the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, for recognising the importance of the college funding. She also outlined her ongoing parliamentary work, including questioning ministers about local government reorganisation. She stressed that East Lancashire must not be left behind in any restructuring and deserves its fair share of investment and public services.
Outside Parliament, Smith has been engaging with local communities. She welcomed students from St Christopher's Sixth Form for a week of work experience, praising their enthusiasm for politics and public service. She also visited Clayton Baptist Church to thank Pastor Anne and her team for their support, and called at All Saints Church in Oswaldtwistle, where she heard fond memories of her grandmother-in-law, Audrey Smith. Smith said it was wonderful to learn how much Audrey's contribution is still remembered today.
Community safety and summer recess
Smith also met with Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw to discuss the Safer Rossendale initiative, which brings together police, councils, community groups and residents to tackle anti-social behaviour, improve safety and protect women and girls. She said the partnership is making a real difference and she is pleased to support its work.
With Parliament now in recess, Smith said there is no quiet summer for a constituency MP. She plans to continue spending time across Hyndburn and Haslingden meeting residents, businesses and community groups. She also said she is looking forward to spending time with her family, whose constant support makes her work possible while she travels between home and Westminster each week.
