An investigation into allegations of racism will be launched following months of accusations at Harrow Council, the Observer can reveal.
Newly-appointed Conservative leader Susan Hall is keen to put an end to the allegations of ‘institutional racism’ that have plagued the authority following the ousting of councillor Thaya Idaikkadar as leader of the Labour Group in April, and then as leader of the council in September.
The Observer has learned that on Monday the chief executive of the council Michael Lockwood wrote to the Mayor of Harrow saying the allegations will be examined by an external investigator, likely to be an equalities lawyer.
Ms Hall confirmed an investigation will be launched in the coming weeks.
She told the Observer: “Harrow is a diverse borough and the authority has always reflected this, both in the representation of members and the highly professional approach of officers to their work.
“While I am confident there is no issue about race among council employees, as a precaution I will be asking a senior independent figure to look into these claims. The result of this investigation will be published as this council believes in transparency and has nothing to hide.”
Members of Independent Labour have claimed publicly they were discriminated against during their time with Labour – something Labour have continuously denied – and also alleged the council was breaching its public sector duty when allowing an extraordinary council meeting to go ahead in September, which put the Tories in power.
Labour leader David Perry said: “Following recent accusations of institutional racism made against senior council officers and Harrow Council, the Labour Group have to date fully participated in the chief executive’s initial consultation process that is seeking feedback on these accusations.
“These accusations are potentially very damaging for the council’s reputation, and for the reputation of its officers. The officers at Harrow Council, in our opinion, have always acted in a professional, fair and impartial way, and have demonstrated conduct of the highest standard.”
Former Labour and Independent Labour councillor Husain Akhtar, who is now an Independent, is one of the members who have voiced concerns which have promoted this investigation.
He said: “As a member of Harrow Council it made me anxious because this is a complex issue which has been running for months, and in this time it has not been investigated. I am grateful Michael Lockwood has listened.”
