The role of Harrow’s mayoralty, traditionally seen as a position of dignity, impartiality, and unity, is again under scrutiny following scenes at the full council meeting on 18 September 2025.
Mayor Councillor Anjana Patel (Con), presiding over the meeting, clashed repeatedly with opposition leader Councillor David Perry (Lab), prompting growing unease over her handling of chamber proceedings.
In one heated exchange, Cllr Perry raised a point of order, only to be cut off by the Mayor.
“Point of order, Madam Mayor, point of order,” he began; “One minute, which point of order?” replied Mayor Patel.
As Cllr Perry sought to clarify, the Mayor raised her voice: “No, no, no, which point of order?”
Defending his conduct, Cllr Perry said that he has always behaved calmly in this chamber, and her earlier suggestion otherwise was wrong.
“I will never stop standing up for the procedures of this council. Whoever presides over council – whether it’s you or anybody else – I will continue to ask procedural motions whenever I see fit” he said.
Tensions escalated further during public questions, when Cllr Perry interjected: “I think we’ve heard a lot from you, and we’re really keen to hear more from the residents.”
Other councillors also expressed frustration. Cllr Graham Henson (Lab) tried to invoke standing order 17.1 over “a sarcastic comment” by the Conservative council leader about a fellow Labour councillor, but the Mayor appeared unreceptive.
The meeting also descended into confusion when a motion regarding an urgent motion, duly proposed and seconded, required a vote. The Mayor, seemingly unsure of procedure, had to be prompted to call it. She then snapped at Cllr Perry saying ‘you don’t even ask me. You just stood up and you spoke.’
These are not isolated incidents. At a previous meeting on 23 October 2024, Cllr Perry reported being interrupted and heckled during his speech. More damningly, he said three past Mayors of Harrow had privately complained to him about the “disrespectful and inappropriate” behaviour of the then Deputy Mayor, who allegedly heckled members and banged the Mayor’s gavel during proceedings, without any mandate to do so.
With Cllr Patel now Mayor, critics argue the behaviour has not improved – but “worsened”.
What is meant to be a role of neutrality and respect is fast becoming a flashpoint of conflict – leaving many to ask whether Harrow’s mayoralty is losing the trust of the chamber, and the public.
Mayor Councillor Anjana Patel (Con), presiding over the meeting, clashed repeatedly with opposition leader Councillor David Perry (Lab), prompting growing unease over her handling of chamber proceedings.
In one heated exchange, Cllr Perry raised a point of order, only to be cut off by the Mayor.
“Point of order, Madam Mayor, point of order,” he began; “One minute, which point of order?” replied Mayor Patel.
As Cllr Perry sought to clarify, the Mayor raised her voice: “No, no, no, which point of order?”
Defending his conduct, Cllr Perry said that he has always behaved calmly in this chamber, and her earlier suggestion otherwise was wrong.
“I will never stop standing up for the procedures of this council. Whoever presides over council – whether it’s you or anybody else – I will continue to ask procedural motions whenever I see fit” he said.
Tensions escalated further during public questions, when Cllr Perry interjected: “I think we’ve heard a lot from you, and we’re really keen to hear more from the residents.”
Other councillors also expressed frustration. Cllr Graham Henson (Lab) tried to invoke standing order 17.1 over “a sarcastic comment” by the Conservative council leader about a fellow Labour councillor, but the Mayor appeared unreceptive.
The meeting also descended into confusion when a motion regarding an urgent motion, duly proposed and seconded, required a vote. The Mayor, seemingly unsure of procedure, had to be prompted to call it. She then snapped at Cllr Perry saying ‘you don’t even ask me. You just stood up and you spoke.’
These are not isolated incidents. At a previous meeting on 23 October 2024, Cllr Perry reported being interrupted and heckled during his speech. More damningly, he said three past Mayors of Harrow had privately complained to him about the “disrespectful and inappropriate” behaviour of the then Deputy Mayor, who allegedly heckled members and banged the Mayor’s gavel during proceedings, without any mandate to do so.
With Cllr Patel now Mayor, critics argue the behaviour has not improved – but “worsened”.
What is meant to be a role of neutrality and respect is fast becoming a flashpoint of conflict – leaving many to ask whether Harrow’s mayoralty is losing the trust of the chamber, and the public.
Video recording of the council meetings are available at the Harrow Council website.
Harrow Monitoring Group 