THE new Labour London Assembly member celebrated his victory with family and friends before starting his new job.

Navin Shah was elected to the assembly to represent Brent and Harrow, demolishing Tory Bob Blackman's 4,714 majority to sweep him out of power.

After his victory was announced, Councillor Shah said "It hasn't sunk in yet. The feeling is absolutely tremendous, and now a lot of opportunities have opened up for me.

"I see myself as a grass roots campaigner, and now I can do a lot for the communities in Brent and Harrow, and for the party as well."

Cllr Shah, who is currently Labour group leader on Harrow council, was elected with a majority of 1,649 votes on Friday night.

After a late night party at his home, he has begun work this weekend, meeting with fellow assembly members and planning the agenda for the next four years.

He has promised to deliver on his campaign pledges, including saving the North Harrow tube ticket office from closure, something newly elected Mayor of London Boris Johnson has already said he supports.

Cllr Shah promised good working relationships with everyone except the newly elected British National Party member Richard Barnbrook.

The staunch anti-racism campaigner has already had a run-in with BNP workers at City Hall, and is determined to continue to shun the far right party.

He said: "There was one space left in the lift, which was full of BNP workers, and I refused to get in with them.

"I will do everything possible in my power to make them as ineffective as possible.

"I am proud, from within the London Assembly, to carry the torch against racism, and fight any form of hatred."

Cllr Shah has promised to step down from his position as leader of the Labour group on the council to concentrate on his new role.