Harrow's new Labour leader has promised to tackle inequality and cut red tape.

Cllr Sachin Shah was elected to lead the Harrow Labour Group at it’s annual general meeting on Monday, April 11.

He takes over from Cllr David Perry who announced he would be stepping down as Leader of the Council last month to "begin a new chapter".

Currently responsible for finance at Harrow Council, Cllr Shah said his top priority is tackling the widening inequalities that are eroding our communities.

He said: "I am honoured to be elected as the leader of the Labour Group. It’s a privilege to be able to serve the community I grew up in.

"I’m looking forward to working with Harrow’s residents, businesses and charities over the coming weeks and years.

"As a local boy who has lived in Harrow all my life I have experienced first hand the widening inequalities that are eroding our communities.

"As a council we need to be there to create opportunities for residents who are being left behind.

"Despite the massive cuts the Tory government are imposing on the council we need to find ways to deliver the services our residents rely on, from fly-tipping and cleaning the streets to care for older people and our most vulnerable families and children."

Cllr Shah was first elected represent Queensbury in 2010 and has been the portfolio holder for finance at Harrow Council since 2013.

Cllr Perry, who led the authority for two years, will remain a ward councillor for Malborough after standing down from the council's top job.

He will continue to be the Leader of the Council until the meeting of full council on May 19, during which a vote will take place to elect the new Leader of the Council. Cllr Shah will be the Labour Group candidate.