The Harrow Conservative group has called for a fresh vote for the leader of the council.

The group of councillors have written to the Mayor of Harrow to call a council meeting later this month to elect a new leader of Harrow Borough Council.

The move comes after nine Labour councillors split from their group earlier this year to form the Independent Labour Group, which took control of the council cabinet under the leadership of Thaya Idaikkadar with support of the Conservatives.

Leader of the Conservative group councillor Susan Hall said: “When nine Labour councillors felt sufficiently betrayed by their party and formed the Independent Labour Group, we felt duty bound to help provide some stability at a turbulent time for the council.

“Rocked by splits, disunity and internal arguments, and with their leader under enormous pressure from some of his colleagues, it was clear that Labour themselves were in no position to provide any practical help.

She added: “The bitter divisions and in-fighting continue within Labour, and they are proving to be as ineffective in opposition as they were at running the council.

“We had hoped that Independent Labour would heed our advice on protecting public realm services – street cleaning, management of parks and open spaces, refuse collection – and that investment would be made where Labour had cut.

“Unfortunately, the trend set by Labour has not halted, and people can see how filthy Harrow has become.

“Now with only eight councillors, we are concerned that Independent Labour cannot function as an effective administration.

“Harrow residents deserve better; with the Conservatives committed to investing in front-line services, reversing the cuts and cleaning up the mess left by Labour.

“We have steadied the ship as we promised, but it now lacks the crew to ensure smooth sailing. Independent Labour were given enough time to prove themselves, and to invest in the services which matter most to residents, but have failed to do as such.

"It’s time for a new crew and a new captain.”