The leader of the Conservative group and new council cabinet member say her group are giving the council leader the time to prove himself.

The comments come following the announcement of Councillor Thaya Idaikkadar's new cabinet which includes five member of his Independent Labour Group and two members of the Conservative party in non-voting roles.

Leader of the Harrow Conservative group Susan Hall has been given a seat and has confirmed the position of her group.

She said: “In light of the split in the Labour group, we have taken the decision to back Cllr Idaikkadar as leader.

“We are giving him the opportunity to select a new cabinet from the Independent Labour group, and the time to prove himself, which his colleagues never did."

She added the non-executive positions have been taken in the cabinet but stated the Conservative group will not be making any decisions and that role will remain the sole responsibility of Cllr Idaikkadar and his cabinet.

Councillor Hall said: “However, we hope that by occupying these roles, we will be in a better position to scrutinise the Independent Labour group’s decisions and speak out.

“Despite championing residents’ concerns, we have spent three years being ignored and side-lined at cabinet meetings; we hope this will now change.

“We have stepped in to steady the ship. Harrow residents are entitled to have a Council that provides the services they need and expect.”

Last week Cllr Idaikkadar and eight other councillors split from the ruling Labour group amid claims of discrimination over its leadership.

The rift came following the appointment of Cllr David Perry as leader of the Labour group in a surprise challenge last month, deposing Cllr Idaikkadar.