Former Stevenage councillor charged with possessing indecent images of children
Conor McGrath, 29, also worked for Stevenage’s MP
Last updated 23rd Feb 2026
A former councillor has been charged with possessing indecent images of children.
Conor McGrath, 29, who also worked for Stevenage’s MP, was charged today (Monday, February 23) after a 10-month investigation by specialist officers within Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Child Online Safeguarding Team.
Mr McGrath has been charged with:
One count of taking or making indecent category A images of a child
One count of taking or making indecent category B images of a child
One count of taking or making indecent category C images of a child
Detective Constable Tom Campbell said it had been “a protracted and complex investigation” requiring “significant specialist resources”.
He added: “This case must now proceed through the justice system unimpeded by misplaced public comment and speculation, to allow a fair trial.
“I would urge people not to share information or speculate on online platforms.”
Mr McGrath, who now lives in Biggleswade, was arrested on April 23, 2025, but could not be named until today for legal reasons.
He has been released on bail and will appear at Stevenage Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 25 March.
Mr McGrath served as a Labour borough councillor for Bedwell ward from January 2023 until April 28, 2025, when he began sitting as an independent. He resigned his seat four days later, on May 2.
It is understood that Stevenage’s MP, Kevin Bonavia, followed advice from the parliamentary authorities after he became aware of the allegations against Mr McGrath, who resigned from his role as an aide.
A Labour party spokesperson said: “These are incredibly serious charges – anybody found guilty of committing such heinous offences must face the full force of the law.
“The Labour Party took swift action to suspend Conor McGrath as soon as these allegations came to our attention. We cannot comment further while legal proceedings are ongoing.”
A spokesperson for Stevenage Borough Council said: “We have been made aware by Hertfordshire police that a former councillor has been charged with an offence following an investigation.
“We will not be commenting on this matter as it proceeds through the criminal justice system.
“If you have any further concerns, please contact Hertfordshire Police by calling 101.”