A PEER has been accused of using his position to take advantage of vulnerable women.
Tahira Zaman told the BBC's Newsnight programme shown last night (14) that Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham began a sexual relationship with her after she approached him for assistance.
Zaman, 43, said she approached Lord Ahmed in February 2017 asking him to get police to investigate a Muslim faith healer.
Zaman told BBC Newsnight: “I was looking for help and he took advantage of me. He abused his power.” She added that she felt exploited by Lord Ahmed because she was suffering from anxiety and depression.
Their relationship ended after two months when Lord Ahmed said he wouldn’t leave his wife, Zaman said.
Last year, Zaman complained about Lord Ahmed's behaviour to the Lords' Commissioner for Standards, Lucy Scott-Moncrieff.
"Lord Ahmed used my trust to repeatedly have intercourse with me," she told the commissioner. "I feel I have been preyed upon due to my vulnerability and used by Lord Ahmed."
Zaman’s complaint was reviewed twice, but the commissioner said she was unable to investigate, noting: “The behaviour you describe in your email could amount to a breach of personal honour.
"However, the code [of conduct] only applies in relation to a peer’s parliamentary work and, from your email, it looks as if your initial contact with him was not to do with his parliamentary work.”
Meanwhile, a second woman has claimed that Lord Ahmed asked her to spend the night at his home.
Lord Ahmed has denied any wrongdoing.
He said: “I completely deny the allegation that I have exploited my position to pursue an inappropriate relationship with any member of the public (vulnerable or otherwise) or that I have acted inappropriately in the presence of women either in my personal or professional capacity.”
He added: “I take my duties as a Parliamentarian extremely seriously.”
