A LABOUR councillor suspended for complaining about the actions of an 'Asian boy's club' within the party has won her appeal.
Councillor Elizabeth Hughes had the whip withdrawn by Hounslow Labour Group at the beginning of July for using 'uncomradely behaviour and racist' language.
However, the decision was overturned on appeal by Labour's London regional group last night (Thursday, August 1), a party spokesman today confirmed.
Mrs Hughes had sent an internal Labour email in 2010 complaining about the behaviour of an 'Asian boy's club' which she said was dragging the party down.
Her email referred to fellow Labour councillor Mohinder Gill, who had voted against the destruction of an illegal extension in the face of clear photographic evidence.
It later emerged the property in question was the home of Harleen Atwal, a former Labour candidate and daughter of a prominent party supporter.
Mr Gill was eventually found by an appeals tribunal in May to have abused his powers and breached the members' code of conduct on three counts. However, the tribunal ruled there was insufficient evidence to show Mr Gill had known of Mrs Atwal's connection to the property when he made his decision.
Deputy council leader Colin Ellar had seconded the motion to suspend Mrs Hughes, which was proposed by Balvir Sond.
Mrs Hughes has represented Heston West ward for Labour since 2006. Her husband, David Hughes, is a Labour councillor for Hanworth.
No internal party action has been taken against Mr Gill, though he was stripped of his planning powers by the tribunal panel and is not planning to stand in next May's local elections.
