A Labour councillor whose house was converted into 'cramped' flats without planning permission has been stripped of his party privileges.

Members of Hounslow's Labour group voted to withdraw the whip from Bedfont councillor Jiwan Virk for four months after a damning report criticised the 'cramped living conditions' and 'substandard accommodation' for tenants living at the property.

Cllr Matt Harmer, chief whip of the Labour group, said: "We expect the highest standards from our councillors. They must comply with the members' code of conduct and have due regard to probity in all their actions, both public and private.

"Unfortunately, Cllr Virk failed to meet these standards."

Cllr Virk was ordered to restore the house in Basildene Road, Hounslow, at a meeting of Hounslow Council's sustainable development committee in July.

Cllr Virk, who also failed to declare the house on the members' register of interests, was unavailable for comment.

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