The leader of Harrow Council's Labour group has strongly denied any accusations of discrimination in his leadership challenge.

Councillor David Perry ousted his predecessor and current leader of the council Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar in a challenge at the group’s annual general meeting last month.

Councillor Idaikkadar and eight other councillors last week broke away from the Labour group and the leader of the council dismissed the council's cabinet amid suggestions of discrimination.

Councillor David Perry has defended his nomination as leader and said: “I strongly deny and would challenge the negative unfounded accusations of discrimination made against myself and the Labour group in Harrow.

“Every year the Labour Party holds an Annual General Meeting where all positions are elected, in a fair and transparent process.

“At those AGM meetings all members are encouraged to come forward and submit nominations for positions they feel they can make a positive difference in.

“I submitted my nomination for the leader’s position and presented a clear and dynamic vision, and I was successfully democratically elected by my colleagues. It’s as simple as that."

He added: “I and all my Labour colleagues will not lose our focus in standing up for all residents, and especially those who are most in need.”

In a statement, the party has said the new Independent Labour group has not been sanctioned by the national or regional party and is no way affiliated to the Labour Party.

Today the council is expected to announce a new cabinet which the Harrow Times understands will be made up of members of the Independent Labour group.