A Harrow councillor, who left the council’s Tory group last week, has now left the national party as well.

Councillor Husain Akhtar, the representative of Canons ward, left Harrow Borough Council’s Tory group last week to work as an independent.

Today he has announced that he has also left the national Conservative party.

In a letter to Cllr Marilyn Ashton, the chairman of Harrow East Conservative Association (HECA), Cllr Akhtar said: “Given the unjust and hurtful behaviour of the present leadership of the Harrow Conservative Group, and considering the unwelcome link between the group and the association, it would be unrealistic for me to retain my membership of the association or the party.

“Therefore, it is sad that I have to leave the party as well.”