FINAL: Brent Labour lose council seats to Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens. No overall majority.

Labour has lost control of Brent Council though still the biggest group on the council. They lost to Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens. Greens were elected for the first time and gained 9 councillors. Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both increased their number of councillors.

Notable Labur losses were  Deputy Leader Mili Patelt, unseated by Green Amandine Alexandre in Harlesden and Kensal Green, Cllr Krupa Sheth (Cabinet member for Environment)  in Tokyngton, Cllr Neal Nerva (Cabinet member for Adult Social Care) in Queens Park,  Cllr Rita Conneely (Chair of Scrutiny, Resources and Public Realm)  in Kilburn and Cllr. Ketan Sheth (Chair of Scrutiny, Community and Wellbeing) in Wembley Central.

Greens took all 3 seats in from Labour in Kilburn and Lib Dems from Labour in in Queen's Park. Reform and independents won no seats, though the latter achived some substantial votes.

 

The Kilburn Declaration 

 

 

Brent Council Twitter posts of results

 

and after

And after recounts:

 

 

Cllr. Jumbo Chan: The NPCification of the Labour Party

The following article was published by Cllr. Jumbo Chan (Harlesden and Kensal Green ward and outgoing chair of Brent Audit and Standards Committee) on the Labour Hub website. As this article will be of interest to Brent readers I received permission from Labour Hub to republish. The original article can be found HERE.

Labour Councillor Jumbo Chan, blocked by the Labour Party apparatus from being on the ballot today, explains what has gone wrong with his Party.

 

Amidst the heavy damage done to Labour by the now-departed, disgraced Peter Mandelson, perhaps one of the most consequential, yet underdiscussed blowbacks of the hyper-factionalism driven by him, his protégé Morgan McSweeney and other key allies surrounding Starmer is the potential of what I would term the NPCification of Labour.

 

Originally a video game term, non-player characters (NPCs) are AI entities that operate via pre-programmed scripts to give some semblance of life to the virtual worlds which they populate. It is now entering into everyday speech as a colloquialism to describe people who seemingly lack independence and assertiveness, wandering around robotically, repeating fixed, predictable lines. Before sketching a brief picture of the NPC politician and the risk they would pose to Labour, it is important to first discuss how they may end up dominating the party.

 

Along with the targeting of Sam Tarry, Faiza Shaheen and many other perceived enemies before the 2024 general election, perhaps the most prominent example of the intense factionalism underscoring the present leadership was the blocking of Andy Burnham. Shielded by less public limelight, the clique orbiting Starmer has also purged swathes of local Labour representatives, including in upcoming battlegrounds such as Hackney, Lambeth and Brent. In the latter, all candidates were centrally handpicked.

 

A decade-long Labour councillor, I was also blocked for supposedly “contradict[ing] agreed Labour positions” by co-authoring a pro-trade union open letter, and coordinating hundreds of Labour colleagues to urge an equivocating Starmer to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. I will never retract my public support for trade unions and innocent children, but the intense factionalism goes far beyond the immediacy of any purges. By stabbing at Labour’s historically rich pluralism, Starmer’s allies have, as the party stares into the abyss, damaged its best chance to course correct.

 

With the constant threat of alleged secret spreadsheets, voting rigging, private surveillance and the punishment of dissent looming over Labour members, potential candidates, councillors and MPs, the Party’s famous broad church is a shadow of its former self. If this intimidatory culture, where silence and compliance are the name of the game, were to become ingrained in the party’s DNA, there is a profound danger of Labour transmuting into an institution dominated by what I would call the NPC politician.

 

Docile and vacuous, the NPC politician would lack the political depth which an otherwise open political culture would select for. Indeed, they would be able to get ahead precisely because of their political emptiness. And unlike either Tony Benn’s principled signposts or even the more opportunistic weathercocks, they would not see their role as remaking the country, let alone, shaping history. Instead, politics for the NPC politician would simply be another choice of career in which they are just trying to get by or climb up, executing instructions as scripted by the top.

 

Because of their inability to offer their own political vision to the public, personality politics would be the default terrain for the NPC politician: “I am the son of a takeaway owner and an immigrant cleaner; I was born here and I love food; and I am a nice guy who organises litter picks” not only serves to hide a dearth of politics, but also functions as the most substantive marker to differentiate one NPC politician from another. An NPCified Labour would not so much regress to political monoculturalism as to political sterility.

 

All this lies in stark contrast to outspoken outsiders such as Green victor in the Gorton and Denton by-election Hannah Spencer (whose victory speech could have been delivered by a Labour socialist) and, further afield, New York mayor Zohran Mamdani. Their fresh, bold socialist perspectives have clearly resonated with the public. But under the present leadership — whose clique would reportedly “rather burn Downing Street down” than give an inch to perceived opponents — these avowedly non-NPC politicians would have likely been blocked from even offering their views to Labour members.

 

The NPC traits of silence and compliance fostered by the current climate of fear might explain why, despite Britain’s dislike of a prime minister who is seen “as a cross between a jellyfish and doormat”, and with Labour facing great peril as forewarned by Burnham, the Party seems unable to do anything except to plough on as before. Therefore, a Britain being rocked by multiple crises and hungry for an radical change to society will only continue to look elsewhere for its politics.

 

The Labour Party was founded as the political wing of the labour movement, and cannot fulfil this historic role and, thus, regain public confidence, until ideas and people are allowed to flourish in the party. This must necessitate a restoration of Labour’s pluralistic, democratic tradition, best typified by Restore Labour Democracy and Reset Labour. After all, Labour’s founders foresaw over a century ago that the then-new Party would only succeed if it reflected the broadest traditions of British socialism and the working class. If Labour cannot expunge the poisonous hyper-factionalism and restore its historic broad church, it is unlikely that history will grant it another century.

 

Jumbo Chan is a Labour Councillor in the London Borough of Brent.

 

Published and promoted by James Paton on behalf of Brent Green Party c/o 23 Saltcroft Close, Wembley, HA9 9JJ. 

Sunita Hirani: I am not under police investigation

 Cllr Sunita Hirani standing as an Independent in Kenton posted this statement on Next Door today:

STATEMENT BY CLLR. SUNITA HIRANI – INDEPENDENT COUNCILLOR FOR THE KENTON WARD OF BRENT COUNCIL – DATED 5th MAY 2026 

 

This afternoon, Tuesday 5 May 2026, I spoke with PC Oliver Price, the Metropolitan Police liaison officer for Operation Ford, regarding the safety of candidates in the local elections scheduled for 7 May 2026. 

 

During this discussion, I asked whether I, Cllr Sunita Hirani, am subject to any police investigation. Following his checks, PC Price confirmed that I am not under police investigation. 

 

I am therefore concerned about the circulation of statements or allegations suggesting otherwise. 

 

I will be seeking appropriate advice regarding any continued dissemination of inaccurate or misleading claims and their potential impact on the integrity of the electoral process.

The 'other' Matt Kelcher

 

 

We know Matt Kelcher as the three-term councillor for Harlesden and Kensal Green, and latterly as the chair of Brent Planning Committee, with his introductory homily on the importance of meeting the borough’s house building target and the current housing emergency.

 

He has another life, in the small print of the Council’s Register of Interests but not declared this at Planning Committee meetings. Kelcher is the Director of Public Affairs at TheCityUK, described by Reuters as ‘Britain’s most powerful financial lobby group’. His work, as a member of Chartered Institute of Public Relations, is to advocate for members of TheCityUK.

 

Matt Kelcher is also a Brent councillor on the multi-million Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation where his connection with TheCityUK is also declared LINK.

 

Where does this overlap with his councillor role?

 

A clue lies in one of his more recent articles for TheCityUK blog. ‘Reforming the UK’s planning system: a path to growth’.  Locals who have spoken against planning applications at Planning Committee may have picked up a polite lack of sympathy for their presentations and the extracts from his article below makes clear that he sees the need for a more robust assumption of assent for applications:

 

A lack of consistency between (and within) local planning authorities is creating uncertainty and unpredictability in decision-making. One way to maximize the value added by England's new metro mayor model would be to explore allowing mayors to designate zones with a much greater presumption of planning approval. The UK's current planning regime of application and appeal is an international outlier, and its delivery has presented challenges to the building of homes and infrastructure.

 

To make the UK more attractive to investors and facilitate investment decisions, the planning process needs to prioritize efficiency and timely decisions. One mechanism to achieve this would be to streamline the statutory consultation process, with a greater assumption of assent from consultees who do not reply to local authorities within deadlines.

 

Cllr Kelcher is an ally of the former Shama Tatler (now Baroness Shah of Wembley) and active within the Labour Party in the drive for accelerating house building, which in Brent has resulted in unaffordable luxury high rise towers.  He is a member of her Labour YIMBY group (Yes in My Backyard). The group was set up to oppose those who raise concerns about over-development, density, and lack of affordability in new developments – stereotyped as NIMBYs (Not in My Backyard). They rely on a ‘market model’ belief that increased supply will result in reductions in house prices and rents – not something we have seen in Brent where according to the London Renters Union rents have increased by 27% over the last 3 years despite all the new units built.

 

 

‘Proudly YIMBY Proudly Labour’

 

 

Tribune magazine in an August 2025 article LINK wrote:

 

 

One of the core principles of YIMBYism is ensuring easier access to property ownership and wealth accumulation. Yet, bizarrely, advocates refer to themselves as ‘housing activists’ and think of themselves as ‘campaigners’ embedded in a ‘pro-housing’ movement. They might choose to adopt the language of those on the front line of the housing emergency. But in reality, their natural habitat is the boardroom — and buffet lunches with developers.

 

 

Tongue in cheek they suggest that alongside NIMBY and YIMBY, there should be PHIMBY – Public Housing in My Backyard.

 

 

If a Brent planning application had been made by any of his TheCityUK employer’s clients, Kelcher would have had to declare his interest. ‘Pre-determination’ is a slippery term in planning circles and refers to a member of a planning committee having made up their mind in advance of hearing an application. I have no evidence that this applies to Matt Kelcher’s many specific decisions at Planning Committee, but his pre-disposition to approve applications in more general terms is, perhaps, clear.

 

Matt Kelcher’s record:  Source Open Council Network

 

 

Published and promoted by Jmes Paton on behalf of  Brent Green Party c/o 23 Saltcroft Close, Wembley, HA9 JJ 

 

 

A sad Bank Holiday weekend as Jane's Cafe at Birchen Grove Garden Centre closes

 

JANE'S CAFE 12.30PM TODAY - 'THIS CAFE IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE'

The Birchen Grove Garden Centre was at its Bank Holiday weekend busiest today and really buzzing - except for one area which was still and silent, Jane's Garden Café

The Café gorilla, usually dressed in seasonal or special occasion scarf, invoking both fear and curiosity in children, sat unadorned at the blocked off entrance to inform customer of the cafe's untimely closure.

I understand that owner, Jane O'Hara, actiivated the breakout clause of the contract with the Centre's owners when costs became too high, and margins too narrow. The closure reflects the national crisis in the hospitality sector and the need to support our local small businesses that are at the heart of the community.

 

 The cafe busy on Thursday

  

Jane’s Garden Café had operated at Birchen Grove Garden Centre for seven years and has built up a reputation as an independent, friendly café.

 

It had a play area for toddlers valued by young families and quietly offered a calm sanctuary for various groups to relax and enjoy each other’s company.  On  Thursday morning they included a group of elderly people and a walking group. I regularly witnessed how staff looked after residents from the nearby care home withut fuss, as well as young adults with special needs. 

 

The Café was a favourite with dog owners, dog friendly with staff ready with nibbles and a bowl of fresh water.

 

Jane offered a varied menu of fresh cooked food and delicious cakes from their Greek baker supplier. Jaane was always looking for ways to extend the menu, and the coffee was great!

 

The welcoming  atmosphere was built up gradually and I fear a commercial catering company will not offer the same quality of food or personal warmth.

 

Regular customers are shocked at the news and there have been tears at the loss of a small local business that, without fuss or fanfare, has become an important destination for many. 

 

 

 

It is ironic that Jane’s Café helped keep the Welsh Harp Environmental Centre open by hosting the successful petition presented to Brent Council, has itself now closed.

 

Wembley Matters on Friday asked  Birchen Grove Garden Centre owners for a comment on the expected closure and details of the company and that would run the café but no response was received,

Joe, Jane's son, submitted this after reading people's comments below:

Wanted to post a comment to thank everyone for their kind words. I am Jane's son and would often take up a shift or two on the weekends. From all of us, the best takeaway from the cafe was the fact that we were able to contribute to a sense of community in the area, and our biggest memories from it will always be that we were able to provide that for people. I will miss it, and just wanted to thank whoever will read this for your amazing support over the years. It meant the world to my family and I feel that, although this chapter has ended, we were able to be a part of something that made a difference whilst we were there. 

Thank you all. From Joe x

 

Green candidate speaks out at South Kilburn hustings - video

A unique hustings was held in Kilburn recently focusing on the South Kilburn Regeneration area where demolition and new build  is carrying on for decades.

Paul Ryan, spoke for all three Green Party candidates at the event. 

 

Published and promoted by James Paton on behalf of Brent Green Party and its candidates c/o 23 Saltcroft Close, Wembley, HA9 9JJ 

 

Brent Council Elections Hustings video: Climate and Nature

 

 Thanks to Brent ACE and Brent Friends of the Earth for this video of the hustings held inperson and online on April 14th.

WAYMO: Is this the way to go, Mo? Petition launched reflecting concerns over experimental 'robo-taxis' in Harlesden

 

Cllr Krupa Sheth and Cllr Muhammed Butt pose at Waymo's Park Royal HQ

An incident in Harlesden when an experimental autonomous vehicle drove through a police crime scene accidentally revealed a scheme that has been foisted on Brent with little or no consultation with residents raising fears of another Lime Bikes type debacle.

Brent Council was clearly very pleased with itself according to a public relations post:

 

Brent Council wrote, 'We know that new technology brings new questions as well as new possibilities, which is why early engagement matters.' 

 The robo-car drives through the crime scene

 

Now Green Party council candidate, Amandine Alexandre, has launched a new petition addressed to the London Mayor raising pertinent concerns.

Harlesden says no to Waymo LINK

We petition the Mayor of London to:

• Implement an immediate moratorium on the expansion of the Waymo pilot until a transparent safety audit is completed.

 

• Publish a full log of all safety breaches, "near misses", and traffic violations involving autonomous vehicles in London to date.

Why is this important?

Over the last few weeks, American company WAYMO has been testing autonomous vehicles in Harlesden and across London. On 22 April, a WAYMO vehicle drove through a live police cordon on Harlesden High Street while officers were investigating a double stabbing.


We, the undersigned, call on the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to immediately suspend the trial and roll out of Waymo autonomous vehicles on London’s streets. We further request a police investigation into near misses and other incidents where public safety was at risk. 

REASONS FOR THIS PETITION

The current rollout of Waymo autonomous vehicles (AVs) across London, and specifically within the Harlesden area, is proceeding without adequate democratic oversight or proven safety protocols for complex urban environments. Our concerns are based on the following:

1. Breach of Police Cordons: Footage has emerged of a Waymo vehicle in Harlesden breaching a live police line. Such actions constitute "wilful obstruction" of the police. If a driver of a regular vehicle had committed this act, they would likely be under investigation and could face criminal prosecution. We cannot allow a "two-tier" justice system where corporate AI is exempt from the laws that govern Londoners.

2. Unresolved Safety Risks: Autonomous vehicles are struggling to navigate the "edge cases" of London’s busy streets, including responding to emergency sirens, physical police barriers, and the unpredictable movements of pedestrians and cyclists in high-density areas like Harlesden.

3. Lack of Community Consent: Residents in Brent have not been adequately consulted on this trial. Public streets are being treated as a laboratory for unproven technology without a clear framework for liability when things go wrong.

4. Extra traffic on our roads: if Waymo or any other autonomous vehicles are allowed on the streets of London, that will lead to extra traffic on our roads. It will further compromise the Mayor of London's traffic reduction aims, led by Sadiq Khan, focus on reducing overall traffic volumes by 10-15% by 2041 and cutting car kilometres by 27% by 2030 to meet Net Zero and health targets. We need more accessible and affordable public transport, instead of more cars on our roads.

5. Vision Zero Compromise : The Mayor’s "Vision Zero" strategy aims to eliminate road danger. Introducing vehicles that fail to recognise and respect police cordons is a direct contradiction of this safety goal.

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

 

 Sky News reported on April 14th 2026: 

Autonomous taxis are now driving themselves around London streets, the American company behind the technology has announced.

The self-driving cars have been in the capital since last autumn, but until now, they were under the manual control of "safety drivers".

Now, Waymo says, they’re being controlled by artificial intelligence, albeit with a human sitting in the driver’s seat just in case.

 

With concerns increasing over the the loss of jobs to   artifical intelligence, such as that used in robo-taxis, it is ironic that Labour Brent is promoting a project that will threaten  the jobs of local taxi, minicab and Uber drivers.

 

Published and promoted by James Paton on behlf of Brent Green Party and its 2026 council candidates c/o 23 Saltcroft Close, Wembley, HA9 9JJ