Harrow Council's newly re-elected Conservative leader, Councillor Paul Osborn, has pledged to make it 'much harder to convert family homes into Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs)' as part of the council's priorities for the next four years. The announcement came after the Conservatives increased their majority in the local elections held earlier this month.
Election Results and Political Landscape
Following the May 7 elections, the Conservative Party secured 42 out of 55 seats on Harrow Council, a gain of 11 seats compared to the previous election. Labour suffered heavy losses, winning only 12 seats—half of what they achieved in 2022—and will serve as the official opposition. The only other party represented is Arise, which won one seat in the Marlborough ward.
Councillor Paul Osborn was re-elected as Leader of the Council at the All Council Meeting on May 20. Alongside his re-election, several key positions were approved, including the election of Councillor Yogesh Teli as the borough's Mayor. Teli, who represents Edgware and is serving his fourth term since first being elected in 2006, will act as Harrow's first citizen, representing the borough at civic and ceremonial events.
Mayor's Charitable Focus
Mayor Yogesh Teli has chosen Kids Can Achieve and Great Ormond Street Hospital as the charities he will support during his mayoral year. He stated: 'It is a great honour to serve as the Mayor of Harrow. I am proud to represent a borough that is rich in diversity, compassion and community spirit. My theme for the year is to Love, Serve and Unite All. I want to support our residents in every way I can, bring greater awareness to the charities I care deeply about, and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of people across our borough.'
New Cabinet Appointments
A new Cabinet has been formed with ten members overseeing key services. The portfolios are as follows:
- Cllr Paul Osborn: Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Strategy
- Cllr Marilyn Ashton: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Planning & Regeneration
- Cllr David Ashton: Cabinet Member for Finance & Highways
- Cllr Stephen Greek: Cabinet Member for Performance, Communications & Customer Experience
- Cllr Hitesh Karia: Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
- Cllr Norman Stevenson: Cabinet Member for Adult Services & Public Health
- Cllr Janet Mote: Cabinet Member for Community & Culture
- Cllr Chris Baxte: Cabinet Member for Housing
- Cllr Pritesh Patel: Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets and Public Safety
- Cllr Chetna Halai: Cabinet Member for Business, Employment & Property
Priorities and Commitments
Councillor Osborn outlined the council's priorities: 'We’ll continue to deliver on the things that matter to our residents over the next four years. That includes making it much harder to convert family homes into Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs), investing in our roads and street cleansing, progressing with genuine affordable homes, supporting families and young people, protecting our green spaces, more green flag parks, and ensuring we are delivering high quality services that offer value for money.'
He added: 'There’s lots to do, and our corporate plan sets out our priorities for the coming years. My cabinet is committed to drive forward our key priorities: Putting Residents First, delivering a borough that is Clean and Safe, and Supporting those most in Need.'
