Labour and Conservative groups trade jibes as Brentford by-election campaign begins

Images: Cllr Rhys Williams (L), Cllr Balraj Sarai (R)

Hounslow Conservative Group criticise ‘lack of action’ over truant Labour councillor 

Two by-elections have been announced in Brentford following the resignations of two Labour councillors.

Rhys Williams, councillor for Brentford East, shared his decision to step down on Facebook on Tuesday (21 January). Cllr Williams said:

“I am grateful to the leadership of the Hounslow Labour group, and my ward colleague Cllr Marina Sharma for their unwavering support. My final words are for the residents of Brentford East. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your local councillor. It has been a great privilege and an incredible experience to have spent the last three years representing this wonderful community.”

In a separate announcement, Balraj Sarai resigned as councillor for Syon and Brentford Lock after facing criticism for a series of absences from council meetings and consistently underperforming in casework. His resignation follows a prolonged period of controversy regarding his attendance and performance as councillor.

Conservative Group Leader and Chiswick Riverside representative Cllr Peter Thompson, was quick to criticise the Labour Party’s handling of Sarai’s situation, accusing them of failing to take appropriate action sooner. He said:

“If you don’t turn up to work, you’re sacked. If you don’t turn up for school, you’re in front of the headteacher. But the Hounslow Labour Party seems to think that a councillor who doesn’t turn up for meetings or work for the people who elected him should be allowed to stay in place at the taxpayers’ expense.”

Image: Cllr Peter Thompson

Cllr Thompson added that the by-election was only called due to the threat of disqualification, which he described as a “shame” for the Labour Party. “I am glad that residents will now have the opportunity to show the local Labour Party what they think of this whole sorry affair at the ballot box,” he said.

Hounslow Labour group hit back at criticism

In response, the Hounslow Labour Group defended their record in Brentford and highlighted their ongoing efforts to improve the area.

Councillor Shantanu Rajawat, Leader of Hounslow Council, emphasised that Labour remains focused on delivering a “better Brentford” for residents.

“The Hounslow Labour Group has always been and will always be absolutely focused on delivering a better Brentford for its residents, finishing the work we started to revitalise the town centre and its surrounding areas, and putting Brentford on the map as a cultural destination recognised across London and the whole country,” said Cllr Rajawat.

Image: Cllr Shantanu Rajawat

Cllr Rajawat pointed to several achievements, including the development of the Brentford Project,, eco-council homes on Orchard Road, and the restoration of Boston Manor House and Park.

Cllr Rajawat also highlighted Labour’s commitment to redeveloping Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, supporting the ‘Creative Mile’, and preserving Brentford Library.

“The vision and ambition for a better Brentford will be represented by our candidates in these by-elections. Labour action versus Tory decline.”

His pride in the Brentford Project has been somewhat undermined in recent weeks by the comments of Cllr Guy Lambert, a former Labour Cabinet member who was suspended by Hounslow Labour Party for criticising the slow pace of the development in Brentford.

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

READ ALSO: Brentford West Councillor Guy Lambert resigns from Hounslow Labour Group

He then resigned from the Labour group at the Council, and as a result was expelled from Hounslow Labour Party, but still represents his Brentford ward as a councillor.

The by-elections for both wards will take place on 6 March.