Labour has finally removed the whip from one of its councillors who was arrested and charged with fraud in Hounslow. Did the Party’s reluctance have anything to do with the fact that it had a majority of one on the council?
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said two days ago:
“Gurbachan Singh Athwal, 75, of Southall, was charged with fraud by abuse of position following an investigation by detectives from the Metropolitan Police. He was charged via postal requisition on Friday, 25 September following a voluntary interview in October 2025. He will appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 27 October. The charges relate to a role he held as treasurer of a community organisation from 2014 to 2022.”
Labour did not immediately suspend the whip from Athwal. Guido contacted the party for comment yesterday evening and Athwal is now listed as an independent on the borough council website…
Labour had a majority of one on the council and it is now hung. It will lose the right to a majority on council committees and votes will have to be supported by the mayor. Will Athwal turn up to prop up votes…
Kemi Badenoch at the 1922-ConHome bash last night:
“I did praise [Burnham] for his stamina, it was amazing. All I had to do was sit back and lie there. I didn’t have to do anything at all…”