Forum Topic

Time called on Balraj finally?

As he previously turned up just in time to avoid forfeiture, it looks likely that he has made a miscalculation on his calendar and will finally be ousted. That is of course, unless Labour say that the breach of the Act was de minimis if he turns up to the January council meeting or they offer him special dispensation. If they cared about residents of the ward they would be doing everything they possibly could to get him out.

Kenneth Seally ● 143d82 Comments

Don't hold your breath Jim.The silence from them is their response to any criticism or plea for fairness and transparency.

Keith Iddon ● 1d

As I'm sure I've said before, no 'sympathy' is required.I don't think you/we/anybody will get any answers.

Anne England ● 1d

Still no explanations given.Did the tame Labour Councillor need sympathy instead of this harrassment.He obviously doesn't respond to messages on this Forum which covers the Area for which he was a Councillor. Hounslow Council would certainly be grateful to received back the overpaid Allowances.

Jim Lawes ● 1d

Well done for asking and you probably got more of a response than you would have done if you had asked in the open meeting.You could, as you suggest, approach the leader. I can't say I think that any response, if received, will 'satisfy'.

Anne England ● 24d

Anne: I did indeed raise the matter with Dan Bowring, the Area Forum Chairman, before the start of last night's meeting and the matter is still cloudy in my mind ... and no doubt in many others too.Whilst I asked if any rebate of his Councillor Allowances was paid by Balraj, or whether he deserved any sympathy, I received no clear answer... not in any devious way ... but there was no clarity.Dan did mention that there had been some disruption at the time of Labour Party's selection process ...to assertain whether Balraj was suitable or not etc ... but two members of that selection process had resigned ... leaving a freedom pass for the job for you know who.This is still not a satisfactory explanation you'll agree. I need to approach that Leader!If there's been a mis-appropriation of funds ... we need clearer responses from those in the know.I'm doing my best ... even at my age!

Jim Lawes ● 24d

Re the rebate, I doubt that very much.I can't really say more - still don't 'get it' myself.All I can say is that there are no doubt Councillors up and down the land doing much the same (of nothing much) and this is no doubt the case across all political parties.Re Sarai, I've reached my own 'conclusion' but that's all it is - mine.If you are concerned, go ahead and ask the question at the forum this evening. I think I'd better sign off from this thread now.

Anne England ● 25d

For interest Jim as a Conservative activist, what you did about thevarious Conservative councillors that were around a few years ago and appeared to be doing nothing at all, though they did I suppose turn up to BoroughCouncil from time to time. To the credit of the Tories, most of these were winnowed out in the end. and we got a new crop. One of them crossed the floor ro become a Labour councillor and seems to be active.It would be good to see casework data published. ACtually I think that should be compulsory, either from council records or from an annual statement from each councillor setting out his activity.I of course do that weekly.

Guy Lambert ● 25d

Thanks Anne.Was a rebate of the mighty Allowances paid sought by the Authorities... that's the question ... otherwise others will try and join the bandwagon.Of course ...if there were compassionate considerations maybe we should hold fire ... but this Labour Group seem very tight lippedalarmingly.The mighty Alderman Cecil Pocock(RIP) wouldn't have tolerated this nonsense  in times past. He set a much higher standard in Public Office during his term on the Council and elsewhere.

Jim Lawes ● 25d

I asked a number of times why nothing was done about the situation. Whatever was done in the end should and I'm sure could have been done earlier i.e. from what I understand, pressure was brought to bear. That's all I can say about it really.

Anne England ● 25d

As a local Labour Party Member Anne did you ever ask the question?

Paul Fisher ● 25d

You are free to ask, Jim!

Anne England ● 26d

An Area Forum tomorrow,Monday evening!7.30pm at St Paul's Church.Might we get an answerfrom the Chairman Danabout the Balraj debacle and his undeserved Councillor allowances.?A chance to clear the air!We can but hope.

Jim Lawes ● 26d

I'm pleased that the matter has not seemingly been forgotten and brushed under the carpet.The "absent" Councillor ... who "still drew expenses we believe"might well have deserved some sympathy if we had been given some explanation ... but we haven't been ... and we're made to look troublesomeHowever Independant Councillors seem to be mentioning BALRAJ in the Council Chamber. Hooray!We understand Balraj's Dad knows the Leader. Really?Perhaps the Leader should be honourable and come clean.Many local charities would love to get their hands on that unearned dosh.

Jim Lawes ● 28d

Jim, I am a member of the Labour Party. The fact of the matter is - we don't know. Whether Labour Councillors know is debatable too. All I know, and I have voiced this pretty strongly, is that the whole Balraj Sarai episode is a complete disgrace. I was just about getting over it and now you've reminded me of it!I would like to emphasise that none of this takes away from the hard work of Councillors Dunne and Bowring.

Anne England ● 35d

What I cannot get my head around with this whole farce with Balraj Sarai and the ruling Labour Group and indeed the latest scandal regarding Cllr. Mir which made 'Private Eye Rotten Boroughs' this week, is the disparity in the treatment between them and Cllr. Guy Lambert. On the one hand, Cllr. Lambert has been treated very harshly for speaking out and 'uncomradely' remarks, even being expelled from the Labour Party, but a lazy, invisible chancer taking public money sits back for almost three years doing sod-all, and another councillor closely involved in a serious fraud, who apparently cannot fill in forms with the correct information, is let off by the laughingly called 'Standards Committee', allowed to scrutinise others and even given another post, plus over another £9.000 a year to boot. Has anything happened? Rumour has it that this councillor would also like to be the Mayor for the coming year, would anyone, knowing the Labour Groups' form bet against that happening? How is the vast difference in treatment explainable? Or, is this a case of not what you know - rather who?

Vanessa Smith ● 35d

Come on you local members of the Labour Party ... please let us have an answer to my simple question.We don't like people milking the system.Is the Leader of the Council complicit in this underhand matter?

Jim Lawes ● 35d

I don't think there is any chance whatsoever of Sarai - who in my mind is not a 'gentleman' - repaying any of his allowances. I can't for the life of me understand why greater pressure wasn't brought on him to resign sooner. He was in post, I believe, near enough three years.

Anne England ● 35d

Jim,don't hold your breath on that issue.After all,it's only our money and once it's given to them to spend or misspend as they wish that's the last we see of it.

Keith Iddon ● 35d

As this gentleman failedto undertake his Councillor duties ... for whatever reason...has he refunded any of his received and banked Allowances to help prop up Hounslow Council's bank balance.Shouldn't we be told?Answers please Labour Party.

Jim Lawes ● 36d

We had a very anti Theo Dennison flyer put through our door yesterday. Obviously the Labour Party or supporters are very worried about him winning the Syon by election!

David Cook ● 61d

https://cratus.co.uk/meet-the-leader-with-cllr-shantanu-rajawat/

Jim Lawes ● 71d

The most likely explanation lies with council leader Shantanu. He has form in this area, as long-term readers of Private Eye will know.Back in early 2017 when Shantanu was chief whip he orchestrated the removal of cllr Gurpal Virdi from the Labour group (and party) for allegedly leaking information about councillor casework levels to the Houndlow Chronicle (that was in the days when local newspapers actually carried news rather than puff pieces from press officers!) He had no evidence that Virdi had leaked the information but as he was a thorn in the side of the leadership he had to go.With Labour the party comes first and last. Nothing else matters if it means clinging on to power. Lambert’s face didn’t fit once Shantanu took over and the body language between the two was obvious to any sentient individual.Balraj must have been useful to Shantanu for the last couple of years but was expendable in the end.There will undoubtedly be WhatsApp groups within the Labour cohort that will be equally heinous as that reported in the national press recently.

Simon Hayes ● 72d

Good point,Vanessa.I wonder what rationale they used for allowing Councillor Balraj to get away taking such liberties and a considerable amount of public money for extremely poor performance for so long and for pillorying Guy,who as far as I a quite diligent and approachable councillor,just the type that any party worth the name would want.I have my own opinion on why this rank double standard was employed.Balraj should be made to pay our money back and as a noble gesture it should be put into the food bank budget or into adult care.

Keith Iddon ● 72d

I have to agree with Jim. The pretty ferocious way that the Labour Group went after Guy Lambert for some reason they have been very vague about, compared with the absolutely disgraceful, insulting behaviour of ex-councillor Sarai is puzzling to say the least. It certainly could not have been for lack of evidence, so where is the comparison drawn? Is it excusable to do nothing, but hold your hand out for the not inconsiderable payments, rather than have an opinion that you express publicly? So much then for the much vaunted Chief Whip, who - in these instances appears to be pretty biased, why the cover-up for a lazy individual for so long, what about the long suffering residents who have the right to expect proper representation? Frankly, the whole thing stinks, would any of these people know the truth even if it came up and bit them on their rears?

Vanessa Smith ● 72d

You can take the boy out of Labour, but not the Labour out of the boy.Seems Guy Lambert has forgotten he’s no longer welcome in the New Nasty Party. Usual bully boy approach.It’s probably escaped your notice councillors but independent candidates don’t fare well in elections, as even established political hands like Theo Dennison showed. Even you might find it harder next time round without the Labour lackeys canvassing for you.You seem to think only a politician can raise a dissenting voice. What a blinkered, out of date and ignorant attitude. Well done!

Simon Hayes ● 74d

Why don't you stand, Raymond?You have plenty of energy to complain about the council/government/anything else that takes your fancy. Why not put your money where your online 'mouth' is.Brentford Voice team are busy working in the community to do things that are positive, as are people like the friends of parks, local charities and other local causes.  Bob Ayres had the gumption to stand in the 2022 local election. He and I disagree about politics but I applaud him for taking a stand and showing he really cares about this town.

Guy Lambert ● 74d

Yes ... silence again!We've never been given a proper answer from any of our Brentford Councillors or the Leader about the absence of Mr Balraj from his Council responsibilities.It's like playing table-tennisagainst a blanket.Why are we being treated like this?

Jim Lawes ● 74d

Such a shame Brentford Voice or a proper non aligned politically group does not put up a few candidates. Genuine local who care genuinely about the district and do stuff year in year out without expenses but with energry and a sense of duty to make it better for those here.Odd that politicians only surface in such things when a seat becomes available but most are only involved in organisations that renumerate in one form or another or open doors to something useful to them.No wonder Brentford's Voice don't do this !!

Raymond Havelock ● 84d

I'm not sure that there were any candidates whom 'the leader might have preferred'. Have you any names? If referring to what appeared on Brentford Today & TV, I wouldn't bank on it having any truth. According to the same site, somebody who wasn't even standing (Marcela Benedetti) was going to be the candidate for Brentford East and Kauser Fadal for Syon and Brentford Lock. It ends up that Jennifer Prain is the candidate for Syon and Brentford Lock and Kauser Fadal for Brentford East.

Anne England ● 84d

I cannot vote vote for a bunch of morally bankrupt pensioner robbers, can you?

Ben Halloren ● 84d

'The scuttlebutt is that Labour have picked two strong candidates with a view to defending the seats rather than placemen that the leader might have preferred because they are very worried about the results.'Well, that would make sense for them.As for Jennifer Frain 'Jennifer has also been a prominent campaigner on issues impacting women and girls across Brentford and Isleworth.' Some of us must have been asleep, as we've never heard of her. 

Vanessa Smith ● 84d

Jennifer Frain is described as "a successful businesswoman in the home textile industry, Jennifer has also been a prominent campaigner on issues impacting women and girls across Brentford and Isleworth. She has extensive experience of working closely with local councillors, Ruth Cadbury MP, and local stakeholders such as West Middlesex Hospital." Kauser Fadal is a solicitor who works in child protection for another London borough.Both seem to be actively engaged in community matters already so no Balraj-factor but they may face a tough battle particularly in Syon and Brentford Lock. The scuttlebutt is that Labour have picked two strong candidates with a view to defending the seats rather than placemen that the leader might have preferred because they are very worried about the results.

Kenneth Seally ● 84d

No I didn't know, but who are they? thanks for the info.

David Cook ● 85d

Sorry, only just seen this.You will no doubt have seen that Jennifer Prain has been selected for Syon and Brentford Lock and Kauser Fadal for Brentford East.

Anne England ● 86d

Anne,When will the candidate be selected?

David Cook ● 86d

Give it a rest Jim. I know you are a Conservative activist so not surprisingly you are loyal to the Chiswick councillors who give occasional updates. From me you get an update on my activities every week for nearly 10 years. I get a lot of positive feedback about it and a few criticisms, and now you are carping.I respond to your frankly ill-informed posts about recycling. The BRAG group rarely meets now other than for celebrations like a Christmas meal but the people on the BRAG know where to find me and send me regular updates. If you are so concerned why don't you join the Group?Jo Biddolph is of course a very active councillor and does her best to represent her ward. Her occasional update covers some useful matters and she is less focused than some of her colleagues on moaning about the council.We are all worried about the very difficult financial climate for Hounslow and the other councils. A survey a few months ago suggested that about a third of councils were expecting to go into financial insolvency this year. The change of government may have helped marginally but there is an enormous backlog of shocking management over the last 14 years by your party which will not be easy to turn around given the parlous state of national government funding inherited last year.Many councils are going much further than Hounslow in stopping every service other than those which are a legal requirement - closing libraries, leisure centres, reducing frequency of rubbish collection and especially recycling and any maintenance including street repairs. Go to another borough or a county like Surrey if you want to experience how well we are provided for in Hounslow by comparison.

Guy Lambert ● 88d

There is nobody hoping to be the Labour candidate who lives outside the borough  or outside of Brentford for that matter.

Anne England ● 88d

It must be dispiriting to have a weak link in one's team ... and presumably have to "keep mum" about it.We never see weekly Reports on this Forum from the Brentford's  Labour Councillors enlightening us about their activities or even giving us general information on matters  or about the state of play on issues ...except in the case of Guy Lambert.If only we could have weekly Reports like those posted by Chiswick's Councillors. They're meaty,in depth,and leave Brentford's efforts lapsing badly.For example ... Guy would go to a meeting of Lampton 360 and say just that ... no feedback. Whereas Chiswick Councillors would highlight  deep financial woes saying that Lampton 360 should be making a profit to feed back to the Council ...  but apparently they need Council support! Where's the investigativedetail reported to us. None.Guy would report that he attended a meeting of BRAG ... the Brentford Recycling Action Group ... no feedback reported except that they went to the Pub afterwards.There are lots of recycling issues to be addressed ... in my view.Can I suggest you read Councillor Reports,published on the Chiswick Forum, by Gerald McGregor, John Todd and particularly Joanna Buddolph. We are being shortchanged surely.

Jim Lawes ● 88d

The cost of the election alone will run into several thousand pounds, I assume paid by us the Council Tax payers. I think Theo has hit the ground running as he has stole a lead on the others who so far have been nowhere to be seen. It also seems like the the local Labour Party are going to Parachute a candidate in from outside the Borough never mind the ward!

David Cook ● 89d

Can't argue with that!

Anne England ● 89d

Totally agree Vanessa ... and also ask why none of the other Brentford Councillors gave us any explanationwhen we had asked them many timeson local media.Ken's point is very appropriate.The Leader and his mates, in or out of the Council, should come clean.Why leave us to spectulate and perhaps make the wrong assumptions.As Terry Thomas used to say ...

Jim Lawes ● 89d

The real question to any Labour canvasser who might knock on your door might be, why in Heaven's name was this lazy git a) selected as a candidate in the first place and b) why, when it was obvious he didn't give a toss, didn't the Labour Group Chief Whip take action?

Vanessa Smith ● 89d

With Balraj,I think we are fully entitled to ask for our money back.He has shown over time to have had absolutely no commitment to adhere to the expectations incumbent on a public servant.Or am I wrong?

Keith Iddon ● 89d

Excellent news for the Syon Ward, Theo Dennison is running for election in March! He has our vote certainly and many of the residents here in Brentford Dock. Certainly he does not have much to live up to with the previous incumbent absent without leave.

David Cook ● 89d

The change of councillor has had more repercussions in that the Cabinet Question Time (which I thought might have been an opportunity to find out more about the Albany Parade debacle) has been postponed.The "Engagement and Consultation Team" write :" Dear Hounslow StakeholderThe Cabinet Question Time scheduled for 30 January has been postponed.As so many people had expressed interest in attending, it is with regret we advise that our 30 January Cabinet Question Time event at the Brentford Gtech Stadium has been rescheduled.This is because a local by-election has been called in Brentford which means we cannot hold this event due to pre-election rules.We will post details of our next CQT event on our website, as soon as possible https://talk.hounslow.gov.uk/cabinet-question-time. Kind regardsEngagement and Consultation Team "

Tim Henderson ● 91d

I had never heard of 'Indy News' and it is a misnomer.Apparently It is Theo Dennison news. Based on his campaign in Brentford West, his record as a councillor, and his support working for George Galloway I wouldn't believe a word of it.I am the only Independent in the three wards that represent Brentford and I think the Brentford people know well enough to keep it that way.I will wait to see who is nominated as Labour candidates, but the people I know who are up for selection are all local, diligent and will make outstanding councillors.

Guy Lambert ● 92d

A great informative post as always Tim Thanks.As the comedian Terry Thomas might have said "they seem an absolute shower"!There are exceptions though as we know.

Jim Lawes ● 92d

Balraj is going as is Rhys Williams for different reasons. Two by-elections have been called in their wards . They should be fairly safe seats but the timing of these votes is a disaster for Labour. I think I am right in saying it comes as people who previously qualified for council tax support will be finding out how much extra they have to pay just as they are making their choice. 

Jeremy Parkinson ● 93d

The "Indy News" came through my letterbox yesterday with the headline "It's time for Balraj to go".The story continued :"The time has finally come for Labour's Balraj Sarai to be booted off the council. On Thursday 23 January he will be disqualified from office for failing to attend any meetings in the last six months and just 3 in the last year.Balraj has received more than £35,499 in allowances since being elected in 2022 but he attended just 14 meetings - he rarely spoke.Surprisingly, Balraj is not actually the worst Labour councillor - by a long way.The scandal of Labour's absentee councillors5 Labour councillors attend less than half the meetings they are paid for. NINE miss atleast one in every three.Hounslow Labour says that their level of performance is good enough - so how many more councillors can we expect to be disqualified ?  "The reverse page has "Local news" (including "Council tax up again in April", "Labour budget stalls the economy", "Labour rent rises" and "Labour to cut Police service" ) and the footnote "Published by Theo Dennison on behalf of Brentford and Isleworth Independents"

Tim Henderson ● 93d

Understood. Not something I can say much about. Not my ward and I have talked with Balraj only a few times. If it's true he has broken any rules it is up to the leadership and the whip to deal with the matter.As you may have noticed I am no longer a member of the Labour Group at the council because of differences with the leader and the whip, so my influence is negligible.I am focusing on my responsibility as a ward councillor for Brentford West, which I continue to take very seriously as a servant of the local residents.

Guy Lambert ● 111d

But we're concerned about Balraj Guy.He might need someones help.Nobody is saying anything to alleviate our mild anxiety.Is there a coverup?The silence from those in the knowjust makes us look troublemakers.And we're not. We're decent citizens and we don't want to be hoodwinked.Come clean please. Is that asking too much?

Jim Lawes ● 111d

Whatever you think of Balraj, Syon and Brentford Lock ward has two very active councillors - Katherine Dunne and Dan Bowring

Guy Lambert ● 112d

Guy lives in the ward but is Councillor for Brentford West.

Anne England ● 112d

Rather depends how you define 'active' Jim.

N V Brooks ● 112d

If Guy Lambert is now suspended and no longer represent's the Syon Ward ... is it correct to assume that that Ward now has only one active Councillor?

Jim Lawes ● 112d

Agree.

Anne England ● 130d

To be honest there isn't anyone who comes out of this with a smidgen of integrity, you have to ask what the hell is going on?

Vanessa Smith ● 130d

Jim,This webpage on Hounslow website allows the contact details of all councillors to be found, including the missing councillor.  Of course, whether he responds is a different matter.https://democraticservices.hounslow.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx

Barry Jacques ● 131d

When Chiswick's Councillors get their Weekly Reports published on the Chiswickw4.com website (Front Page), a list of their Councillor colleagues and their contact details are added ... thus providing their residents with a link-line if they need help.In the case of BOTH Brentford Wards ...the ONLY REPORT published on this website, is the one produced by Cllr Guy Lambert. Never seemingly from the other half dozen.In addition, Guy's weekly reports never seem to attach a list of his Councillor colleagues or their contact details.In the case of the MISSING CLLR,if someone needed his help ...what chance have they got of receiving any.It's totally out of order ...and not a peep from those in the know.

Jim Lawes ● 131d

My comment was in response to Jim's comment.

Anne England ● 131d

There'll be a long wait - no mobile - no texting, and I'm no longer a member! What about a ward member(s) tabling a motion at their next meeting or contacting the Regional Officer?

Vanessa Smith ● 131d

Let us know when you have texted him.

Anne England ● 132d

Vanessa - as an ordinary member I do ask questions, perhaps to the wrong people. The silence from just about everybody is puzzling and more than slightly annoying.I would be grateful if somebody could answer my question above.

Anne England ● 132d

Where on earth are the ordinary party members who are the ones who go out trudging the streets to get these people elected? Why are they not raising this scandal at every opportunity at ward meetings and the constituency party? I just think the other councillors are a disgrace for not speaking out, this person is bringing them ALL into disrepute. No wonder politics  has got such a poor reputation, if they seriously imagine this is going away anytime soon then they are sadly mistaken. Has no-one got a spine? (Guy Lambert excepted) - what a lily livered shower they are.

Vanessa Smith ● 132d

It reminds me that Syon ward also had Jason Ellar as ward councillor previously. The thread https://appasp.brentfordtw8.com/server/app/forum/ShowMessage.asp?ID=984682 contains more details.

Tim Henderson ● 132d

Many thanks for your pertinent post Vanessa ...in particular suggesting there are some external family connections with the "Leader" in this farcical situation.No wonder Balraj's local colleagues are so tight lipped. The absence of any official explanation has the rest of us speculating.The Labour electorate of the Brentford and Syon Ward were treated with distain seemingly ... and not a peep heard from any of the them since.Balrag's phone number is on the Hounslow Council Website ... and so a enquiring text to him should result in some answers.07973 763 463PS: how come he was selected to be on the important "Scrutiny Committee". Who was the proposer  for that joke?

Jim Lawes ● 133d

How anybody's got the front of Balraj I don't know. His behaviour is shameful. I agree re the silence - it's pretty hopeless getting any kind of answer.My understanding of procedure is somewhat limited - am I right in thinking that Balraj could have had the whip removed and could then stand as an independent? If so, this surely had to be preferable to the situation being allowed to continue as it did.

Anne England ● 133d

Surely to God there is no dilemma here? Of course we should expect our councillors to do the right thing. As I understand things, Cllr. Balraj's Daddy is a big mate of the Leader and insisted his son become a councillor, presumably for the perceived prestige, (he also takes the money).Dad also has some powers regarding votes that may or may not ensure Cllr. Rajawat's continuing role as Leader. So sonny is parachuted into Brentford, and actually doesn't give a damn  - and the rest of the gutless wonders say nothing, even though as Cllr. Emsley has pointed out they could do so. So instead they decide to play silly buggers by harassing Cllr. Lambert by accusing him of 'uncomradely remarks' - a councillor who does fulfil the role properly, and remove the Whip from him until next February. They are a disgrace to local government and ought to be thoroughly ashamed of themselves if they had any self awareness- which I seriously doubt.

Vanessa Smith ● 133d

Not sure that analogy works here. Cllr Sarai appears to be an opportunist so would always have the option of resigning the Labour whip if they tried to get rid of him. The question now is do they give him an out by ignoring the breach of the rules to avoid a potentially damaging by election or do they do the right thing and insist that he steps down. You can't cast final judgement on their behaviour until we know which way they jump on this matter.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 133d

Echoes of a Mafia Family thing.  "Look after my useless Boy and I'll look after you" Trouble is all those in the know are either related or don't speak out until they are out of the mire.

Raymond Havelock ● 140d

He seems to have made tactical appearances since his election to allow him to claim his allowance. It is good to see the honesty of people like Vanessa and Anne on this sad affair. I don't think we can be too harsh on Labour being scammed in this way but they should have dealt with the problem earlier.Perhaps with the looming shadow of Theo Dennison they didn't want to risk a by-election but this now looks like a big error. If they had done it a year ago they would have had much better national poll ratings and the situation with Watermans and the Fountains Centre would have been a bit more favourable. They might struggle to hold on if a new councillor needs to be found.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 140d

Been going on for 2.5 years so rather a long time to be absent. I don't hear any criticism from his colleagues about his absentiesm.

David Cook ● 142d

Actually, maybe Rajawat was leader then - getting a little confused ...

Anne England ● 142d

Rajawat wasn't leader when Balraj was selected. I can only imagine that Balraj managed to pull the wool over people's eyes during the selection process - something I'm sure that can happen in any party.As I said in an earlier post, there are those of us in the local party who would like some answers re the management or non-management of this. It's an appalling situation and one with which I care not to be associated.

Anne England ● 142d

Balraj probably knows where the skeletons are hidden by Rajawat and co. Probably why he was selected in the first place.

Simon Hayes ● 142d

My thoughts too Nigel.I'm recalling some dishonest Labour Councillors and others in the past.One Asian chap was the the Mayorand he was the owner of a nightclubopposite Hounslow West Station.The night club had applied for a licensing extention with a disco until 3am.This Labour Party chief claimed he knew nothing about it ... it was his wife's doing. That denial was blazed over local newspapers.A short while later a lady called at my house in Osterley checking on.my wellbeing because of my age. It turned out she was the disco chap'sMother! She said it was the husband /the Labour Party leader who had asked him to work longer hours till 3am. So the Mayor was telling grest big lies. Charming!In another happening a Labour Councillor's son was dumping tons and tons of waste at a location on the Heston Service Station on the M4(eastbound). The son was caught red handed and taken to Court.The judge in the case said he'd never heard such a big liar in all his legal life.This son lived in the same house as his Dad ... a Labour Councillor ...who denied knowing anything about his son's activity!That's enough for now.We need a leader like the late Cecil Pocock ... a local magistrate, and a fine Alderman and Mayor. He didn't participate in nonsence like we're having to tolerate.

Jim Lawes ● 142d

I seem to recall reading that a disproportionate number of Hounslow councillors all attend the same place of worship. I do wonder if the code of silence has anything to do with this.

N V Brooks ● 142d

All extremely well made points Jim and it is astonishing that no members of the local Labour Party have had the courage to speak up so we can only presume they feel threatened in some way to do so

Paul Fisher ● 142d

It is unsatisfactory that there has been no explanation from the Labour Party about this matter.This shortfall tricks observers to perhaps make wrong assumptions.Is the chap ill and deserves our sympathy?Why haven't any of the other Brentford Councillors explained the situation to their constituents?Are these Brentford folk tougue tied for fear up being punished by their Labour Party bosses.Who was on the Labour Party Selection Committee who interviewed and chose this candidate.Was this Committee trying to avoid having to select someone  else.I've been on a Conservative Party Selection Committee in the past for both Councillor candidates and Parliamentary candidates as thus have an inkling what happens in normal cases.What were this chap's attributes that led to him being chosen. Was it a racist thing ... to balance the make up of the Wards personnel.The Leader of the Council should be challenged for an answer and a belated apology.

Jim Lawes ● 142d

There are a number of us within the local party who don't understand the lack of action concerning this individual.

Anne England ● 143d

I assume he has been collecting his pay as a Councillor while doing virtually nothing for two years. He should be asked to refund most of his tax payers allowance.

Chris Dakers ● 143d

If the Labour group fail to take action to rid themselves and Brentford of this lazy object, then they are as bad as he is. He has without doubt brought the party into disrepute, and those who have sat back and allowed this farce to continue are as bad, and have behaved appallingly towards the electorate in that ward. So much then for 'The Leader and 'Chief Whip' going on a witch hunt over some supposed 'uncomradely remarks' from Cllr. Lambert, yet sitting back and doing nothing whatsoever about someone who barely showed his face in the two years since being elected.  As officers of the Labour Group these two people should have known the relevant Local Government legislation and also their Group Rules, they have shown themselves to be sadly lacking in common sense and intelligence. Leadership requires more than chucking your weight around and show- boating. What a joke.

Vanessa Smith ● 143d