A FORMER Conservative councillor has joined Harrow Council's Labour group.

Canons ward councillor Husain Akhtar, who won a by-election in December 2011, left the Tories following the November 8 2012 full council meeting and had been standing as an Independent ever since.

Yesterday (Wednesday) the former schools inspector announced he had crossed the floor to become a member of the ruling party.

Mr Akhtar, a keen amateur photographer and chairman of governors at Grange Primary School in Welbeck Road, South Harrow, said: "I would like to positively contribute in advancing the work of the Labour group.

"Being a very active and experienced councillor with well proven combination of expertise and a demonstrated respect for justice and truth, I wish to

use these qualities to improve the quality of life locally and beyond.”

A Labour group spokeswoman said: “We are pleased Husain has joined us. While the Conservative group has no ideas, no imagination and no vision, the Labour Group

has ideas to make a positive difference even in these austere times."

Councillor Susan Hall, the Conservative group leader, said: "Councillor Akhtar’s decision comes as no surprise to me or the Conservative group, and I am reliably informed he was even able to rekindle his old membership when re-joining Labour, which must have been a rather nice homecoming for him. 

"As when Councillor Akhtar initially left the Conservative group, my sympathies are with the residents of Canons for having to endure his indecision and short-lived principles. 

"They elected a Conservative to represent them in 2010 – indeed Canons has elected Conservatives at every opportunity since the ward was created – and how they’re lumbered with a Labour councillor."