Harrow Council convened for its Annual Council meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to elect new leadership and address key council business. Councillor Yogesh Teli was elected as the new Mayor of Harrow for the 2026-2027 municipal year, succeeding Councillor Anjana Patel.
Councillor Teli's nomination highlighted his extensive experience, including eight years as a councillor for Kenton ward and his previous role as chair of the Elmsley Avenue Residents Association. Beyond his political service, his IT background, with a degree in computer science and work in the sector since 1983, and his charitable work with the Asciana Charitable Trust were also noted. He was praised for his inspirational leadership and community involvement, including volunteering for organ donation campaigns. Councillor Teli was nominated by Councillor Nicola Blackman and seconded by Councillor Paresh Chudasama, with no other candidates put forward for the mayoral position.
Councillor Anjana Patel was formally thanked for an amazing year in office.
Her term as Mayor was marked by significant engagements, including meeting the King and inaugurating the new council chamber. She also oversaw celebrations for the borough's 60th anniversary. Councillor Patel was commended for her dedication, hard work, and positive impact on the community, notably her extensive fundraising efforts which raised over £32,000 for her chosen charities, We Are and Samaritans.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton was appointed as the Deputy Leader of the Council and is also the Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration. She also seconded the nomination for Councillor Paul Osborn as Leader of the Council.
Councillor Mina Parmar was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for the 2026-2027 municipal year. She expressed her honour and privilege in accepting the role, stating her commitment to working alongside the Mayor to serve the Harrow community. Councillor Parmar also shared her previous enjoyment of working in the Cabinet as the portfolio holder for housing and supporting residents.
Ramji Chauhan was appointed as the Mayor's chaplain for the ensuing municipal year. The chaplain's representative, Harish Paitrivedi, opened the meeting with prayers and delivered prayers with dedication and grace during council proceedings.
Beyond the leadership appointments, the meeting addressed several other significant matters. The council received and noted the report detailing the councillors elected at the Borough Elections on 7 May 2026 and the membership of the respective political groups. The dates of the forthcoming civic functions for 2026-2027 were circulated, and councillors declared various interests. The minutes of previous council meetings held on 26 February 2026 and 24 March 2026 were agreed.
The Leader of the Council notified the council of his portfolio holders and sought approval for committee appointments. The appointment of chairs to council committees and nominations for outside bodies were also moved and seconded. The council approved the designation of Róisín Madden as the statutory Director for Children's Services and agreed to an amendment to the Members' Allowances Scheme. Councillor Paul Osborn's long service was recognised.
Reports presented and noted included the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's annual report for 2025-2026 and the Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee's annual report for 2025/26, which was approved. Information reports detailing decisions taken under the Urgency Procedure, including those on Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure and an Inter-Authority Agreement for a Shared Mortuary Service, were also noted. A report summarising remuneration packages of £100,000 or greater approved by the Chief Officers' Employment Panel was also noted. Finally, the dates of ordinary council meetings for the 2026/27 municipal year were confirmed.
Further details on the meeting proceedings can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.
