The Hounslow Labour group has been rocked by a second high-profile defection to the Conservative Party in just six weeks, deepening a crisis of confidence within the local party.
A Second Defection Amidst Internal Turmoil
Councillor Kamarat Malik, who represents Heston West, announced his switch to the Conservatives on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. His move follows that of former cabinet member Cllr Vickram Grewal, marking a significant loss of personnel for the borough's ruling group.
In a statement explaining his decision, Cllr Malik launched a fierce attack on his former party. He accused Labour locally and nationally of driving the community and country "to the brink," citing the recent Budget and alleged financial mismanagement around the Lampton Group. He claimed the group was too distracted by internal scandals to serve residents effectively.
Claims and Counter-Claims Over Motives
Hounslow Labour has hit back, suggesting the defection is not principled but pragmatic. A party spokesperson stated that Cllr Malik's decision came "just weeks after he failed to be reselected" to stand as a Labour candidate in the 2026 local elections, implying the Tories have "significantly lower standards."
Welcoming the new recruit, Deputy Leader of the Hounslow Conservatives, Cllr Gabriella Giles, said Cllr Malik had taken "a principled stand against Labour economic mismanagement." She argued the Labour council is harming the borough and welcomed his support ahead of next year's crucial elections.
A Broader Pattern of Discontent
The defection is the latest in a series of blows for Hounslow Labour. In recent months, five other members have resigned from the party, citing internal politics. Furthermore, just a day before Cllr Malik's switch, Cllr Aftab Siddiqui resigned as Deputy Chair of a key committee.
In a scathing open letter to Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat, Cllr Siddiqui alleged that a "small group of councillors has captured Hounslow Council" to protect their own interests. He criticised candidate selections for the 2026 elections, claiming they were based on "family relationships" rather than merit. Despite this, he remains a Labour councillor.
This unrest follows the recent suspension of Cllr Hina Mir by the Labour Party after it was revealed a County Court Judge ruled against her in January 2025 for hiring an illegal worker. Cllr Rajawat claims he was unaware of the ruling when she was reselected months later. Cllr Mir was also criticised for parking in a disabled bay, an action for which her colleague Cllr Farhaan Rehman had recently apologised.
The cumulative effect of these events paints a picture of a local Labour party grappling with severe internal divisions, conduct issues, and a loss of members, all with pivotal local elections on the horizon in May 2026.
