Brentford West Councillor Guy Lambert resigns from Hounslow Labour Group

Cllr Lambert “dismayed” at Labour-run Hounslow Council’s treatment of businesses in his constituency

Image: Cllr Guy Lambert

Brentford West councillor Guy Lambert has resigned from the Hounslow Labour Group following his suspension and frustration over the treatment of shop owners in his ward.

The businesses, which are set to be relocated to new units in the Brentford Project development, have been left in limbo as the promised premises remain empty. At least 12 traders have lost access to their shops, with some facing steep costs for storage and lost revenue.

Despite delays, three retailers, including Costcutter owner Dedar Singh, were forced to vacate last Friday (3 January) when utilities were cut off, effectively evicting them from their premises.

In his resignation, Cllr Lambert said:

“I am dismayed on behalf of the local businesses who have at least temporarily lost their income… and that the council is forgoing rent and business rates which would be provided by these businesses once they are established.”

Asked whether he would stand as an independent candidate at the next local election, Cllr Lambert told The Chiswick Calendar he would prefer to stand for Labour but that scenario was “probably unrealistic”.

“Don’t know how it will play out. I resigned from the Hounslow Labour Group but I am still, for now at least, in the Labour Party”, Cllr Lambert said.

Cllr Lambert, known for his outspoken weekly blog, had been critical of the council’s handling of the situation, describing efforts to resolve the issue as “entirely ineffective.” He arranged a meeting to discuss the delays but said the council leader declined to attend.

His frustration over this and other delays in Brentford developments, such as the police station and Watermans site, led to his suspension from the Labour Group in November 2024. The suspension, initially for eight weeks, was upheld in December until 22 January 2025.

READ ALSO: Brentford West Councillor Guy Lambert suspended by Hounslow Labour Group

READ ALSO: Brentford West Councillor Guy Lambert suspension upheld until 22 January

At the time Cllr Lambert defended his blog, arguing he felt obligated to be transparent with constituents, even at the cost of party loyalty. He said he had received significant support from residents, adding:

“They said I care. They are right, I do.”

The controversy comes at a difficult time for the Hounslow Labour Group. The party potentially faces a by-election in the Syon and Brentford Lock ward due to another councillor’s prolonged absence.