The decision by Labour’s governing body to add a “qualifier” to the international definition of anti-Semitism has “left the door open” for more problems, according to a Harrow councillor.

Labour’s National Executive Committee (NEC) agreed to fully adopt the 11 examples of anti-Semitism noted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) after a three-hour meeting on Tuesday.

But its addition of a statement protecting “freedom of expression” on Israel and Palestinian rights has been criticised by Cllr Marilyn Ashton, deputy leader of Harrow Conservatives.

“It’s still a complete mess,” she said. “They haven’t solved anything, and I actually think they’ve poured oil onto the fire.

“I don’t see why it is so difficult to accept this definition, in full, without reservations. I don’t think anyone will be reassured by what the NEC have done.”

Despite questioning the actions of Labour’s ruling body, she praised its MPs for overwhelmingly voting in favour of adopting the IHRA definition in full.

Cllr Ashton has been a fierce critic of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn’s approach to dealing with perceived anti-Semitism within the party.

She described the situation as “unacceptable” and, at a meeting in July, called on Harrow Council to write to Mr Corbyn urging him to do more on the issue.

The council backed the IHRA definition at this meeting but refused to write to the Labour leader after describing it as an “unnecessary” attempt at “political point scoring”.

Its Labour Group did not comment on the NEC’s decision.

Cllr Aston described this as “unhelpful” and said she was “disappointed” to see the borough’s ruling party “ducking the issue”.

The NEC’s adoption of the IHRA definition in full was welcomed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews.

Its president, Marie van der Zyl, said it was the “right call” but warned that it was “only the beginning” and further action is required.