The leader of the ruling Labour group says a small minority of councillors have failed to accept a democratic decision.

The comments come after today’s surprise announcement that nine Labour Harrow councillors have split to form their own group.

The group of nine, which includes councillors Krishna James, Husain Akhtar and has Thaya Idaikkadar as its leader, announced their split over concerns over the leadership of the council and the party in Harrow.

Labour Group leader councillor David Perry, who was elected at the group's annual meeting last month, said: "It is with huge regret that I hear of the formation of an Independent Group of Councillors on Harrow Council.

“I would like to put on record that a small minority of councillors have failed to accept the Labour Group's democratic decision following a fair and transparent election for the Labour Group Leadership.

“The Labour Group Leadership election is an annual process with occurs at our AGM meeting in April. The previous Leader Thaya Idaikkadar took over from Bill Stephenson 'mid-year' (in November) following ill-health.

“This development will not interrupt our Labour councillors from actively representing the residents of the borough now, and in the future.”

As a result of announcement tomorrow's cabinet meeting has been cancelled.