Hounslow Council has debated appointments to its various bodies amidst claims that the Labour administration no longer holds an overall majority.
The discussions took place during a special meeting of the borough Council on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. The meeting's agenda and reports can be found here and here.
The subsequent discussion focused on appointments to various council bodies. Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of the Council, moved the report, noting an amendment was required due to a change in group membership. The claims of Labour no longer holding an overall majority were made following the change in group membership where Councillor Guy Lambert was no longer part of the Green Group.
Councillor Rajawat proposed appointing 12 members to the Planning Committee, leaving one seat vacant.
Councillor Tony Brown stated his group would support the Labour Group's proposals, believing they reflected the change in council composition. He noted that Councillor Guy Lambert had indicated he would support the Labour Group. This support is significant because it means that, de facto, if not de jure, the Labour Group continues to have a clear majority on the Council, despite the change in its formal composition.
However, Councillor Darshan Nagi argued that Labour no longer had an overall majority but still expected to control committees. This is now a Council with no overall control, and that should be reflected in how our committees operate,
he stated.
Councillor Linden Grigg expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation of roles, particularly committee chairs.
Councillor Adrian Page stated his reform councillors would support the motion as it was reasonable and equitable.
The council then voted to proceed with the appointments, with the substantive motion carried by 44 votes in favour and 19 against.