Councillor Muhammed Butt has been re-elected as the Leader of Brent Council, securing 24 votes in favour, with 20 against and 9 abstentions. The decision was confirmed at the Annual Council Meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Following the May 2026 elections, the political composition of Brent Council is: Labour Group (26 councillors, 45.61%), Conservative Group (11 councillors, 19.30%), Liberal Democrat Group (11 councillors, 19.30%), and Green Group (9 councillors, 15.79%). This new political landscape necessitated significant constitutional changes, including the appointment of Councillor Butt as Leader and the establishment of new political group representation on committees.
The council reviewed and approved changes to its Constitution, specifically concerning standing orders for written questions and motions. These changes aim to reflect the new political composition of the Council. For motions to full Council, arrangements will now provide for two motions from the Labour group, one from the Conservative group, one from the Liberal Democrat group, and one from the Green group. Similarly, written questions will follow a proportionate approach, ensuring all members can hold the administration to account. These adjustments are described as sensible constitutional housekeeping
to ensure the Council can conduct its business effectively and fairly in the interim period before a broader review in July.
The council also determined the allocation of seats on its committees to reflect the new political balance. Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, moved the recommendations, which included designating the Conservative Group as the principal opposition group. This designation is significant in a council under no overall control, providing clarity for opposition representation and accountability.
The proposed allocation for the five ordinary committees (General Purposes, Planning, Audit & Standards, Corporate Parenting, and Licensing) for a total of 38 seats was: Labour Group (17 seats), Conservative Group (7 seats), Liberal Democrat Group (7 seats), and Green Group (6 seats).
An amendment proposed by Councillor Anton Georgiou, on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, sought to alter this proposed allocation. Councillor Georgiou argued that the original proposal did not add up and did not fairly reflect the balance on the Council, particularly highlighting concerns about the Labour group potentially controlling the Planning Committee. His amendment proposed a table with 35 seats, aiming for a fairer reflection of the Council's balance and to prevent any single party from having undue control. This amendment was lost.
An amendment to change the Leader's term of office to one year was also put forward but subsequently lost, meaning there are no implications for future council leadership stemming from this particular proposal.
Further details on the council's proceedings can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
