Labour politicians have agreed to take roles as 'non-executive' members of Harrow Council's cabinet - but will not take extra allowances.

Harrow Labour group leader Councillor David Perry and Cllr Graham Henson have accepted the positions on the cabinet offered by the new leader of Harrow Borough Council Councillor Susan Hall.

The seats will be 'non-executive' roles and the Labour councillors will not be able to vote on policy, but will be able to scrutinise the new Conservative administration.

Labour had criticised the creation of the roles by former council leader Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar for Conservatives in his cabinet.

Cllr Perry said: “In the interests of the people of Harrow I have decided to take the position of an observer to cabinet in order to hold the Conservative administration to account for the decisions which they will be taking and continue my commitment to residents in working on their behalf.

“I will not be accepting the £5,000 pay rise which was offered to Cllr Susan Hall in June for taking up the same position.

“I will not be taking a penny extra for the additional responsibilities, I did not agree with the pay rise in June, and I do not agree with it now.”

Under Cllr Idaikkadar's leadership Cllr Susan Hall and Conservative group deputy leader Cllr Barry Macleod-Cullinane were given expenses when they took the positions in July.

Cllr Perry says he has been in discussions will the leader about making the role of cabinet observer a regular feature and said “under the right circumstances it is a positive addition to the running of the council.”