The leader of Harrow's Conservatives says her group will work with the new Independent Labour group “to help steady the ship”.

The announcement comes after leader of Harrow Borough Council Thaya Idaikkadar broke away from the ruling Labour group and dismissed the cabinet.

Today the council's new cabinet was announced, which included Conservative leader Councillor Susan Hall and deputy  leader Cllr Barry Macleod-Cullinane as 'non-executive' - and non-voting - members.

Councillor Hall said: “Harrow residents deserve a council that puts them first, and the Conservative Group will do what it can to help steady the ship.

"We have already come to agreements with the Independent Labour group which we hope will create some stability for our residents, and more details will be discussed and refined in the coming days.

“This difficult situation caused by serious divisions within the Labour group not of our making, but we have a responsibility as councillors to ensure the council focuses on serving our residents.”

A spokesman for Harrow Council said all new members of the cabinet will take charge of their duties as of today.

He added that it is hoped any decision delayed by the council split will dealt with by the new cabinet swiftly.