Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG): Harrow Council’s latest publicity drive, branded “Harrow shows up to support end to gender-based violence,” is polished, upbeat and carefully staged. A mayoral opening, a short town-centre walk, partner speeches and safety packs create the appearance of decisive action. But read alongside our earlier article, “Harrow talks tough onContinue reading “Walks, words and wristbands: when Harrow’s VAWG “Day of Action” becomes a publicity exercise”
Tag Archives: politics
Arise makes its mark: Harrow’s new political party launches energised first canvass in Marlborough Ward
Arise, Harrow’s newest political force, burst onto the local scene on 7 December 2025 with its first canvassing session in Marlborough ward, the seat currently held by the Labour opposition leader on Harrow Council. The party, founded on 27 August and launched in Harrow with the support of Jeremy Corbyn MP, is led by formerContinue reading “Arise makes its mark: Harrow’s new political party launches energised first canvass in Marlborough Ward”
Is Harrow really ‘putting residents first’ – or just leaving vulnerable children behind?
The administration-designed Harrow Council slogan, “putting residents first,” sits increasingly uneasily alongside the persistent problems in its children’s services. The departure of yet another Director of Children’s Services – requiring the Managing Director to assume the statutory role on an interim basis – underscores ongoing instability at a time when the service remains under aContinue reading “Is Harrow really ‘putting residents first’ – or just leaving vulnerable children behind?”
From ULEZ to police stations: Harrow Tories revive costly anti-Khan warfare
Harrow Council’s 27 November meeting became the latest stage for a familiar political drama, as the borough’s Conservatives once again used local issues to fuel an anti–Sadiq Khan campaign – likely under growing pressure from Reform UK. During debate on their motion opposing the closure of Pinner Police Station’s volunteer-run front desk, Tory leader CllrContinue reading “From ULEZ to police stations: Harrow Tories revive costly anti-Khan warfare”
Harrow Conservatives drift right as Reform looms
The two motions before Harrow Council on 27 November may appear unrelated – the Conservative motion attacking Sadiq Khan over the closure of Pinner Police Station’s volunteer-run front desk, and Labour’s motion condemning national suggestions of deporting legally settled migrants – but together they expose a clear political trend. Harrow’s Conservatives are increasingly echoing theContinue reading “Harrow Conservatives drift right as Reform looms”
Harrow police station closure – local concern or political theatre?
On the face of it, Harrow Council administration’s decision to launch legal proceedings against the Mayor of London over the planned closure of the borough’s last remaining police front desk seems like a bold defence of local interests. Council leader Paul Osborn has called the move “short-sighted” and “unacceptable,” arguing that closing the Pinner andContinue reading “Harrow police station closure – local concern or political theatre?”
Pamela Fitzpatrick slams Labour MP for promoting private health firm
Pamela Fitzpatrick, director of Jeremy Corbyn’s Peace and Justice Project and founder of Harrow’s new grassroots political party Arise, has sharply criticised local MP Gareth Thomas after his public visit to Cygnet Hospital in Harrow this week. Thomas, Labour MP for Harrow West, praised the hospital for “working closely with the NHS and community partnersContinue reading “Pamela Fitzpatrick slams Labour MP for promoting private health firm”
Local power, national decline: the Harrow Conservative paradox
Harrow’s political landscape presents a striking paradox: enduring Conservative strength at the local level amid national decline. According to YouGov, only 10% of the public believe Kemi Badenoch looks like a prime minister in waiting, and twenty Conservative councillors defected to Reform UK during the party’s own conference. Yet, confidence in the Harrow Conservatives – particularlyContinue reading “Local power, national decline: the Harrow Conservative paradox”
How the London Mayor’s policies are helping Harrow thrive
In Harrow, right-wing voices and political opportunists invoking slogans about ‘restoring pride’ or ‘protecting character’ eagerly exploit nationalist sentiment to attack Sir Sadiq Khan, who is now serving his third term as London’s mayor. Such divisive approach obscures the reality that Harrow has, in fact, benefited significantly from mayoral investment and support in recent years.Continue reading “How the London Mayor’s policies are helping Harrow thrive”
Council tax politics: Harrow Conservatives accused of misleading spin on funding fairness
Questions on social media about why council tax is lower in Brent than in Harrow have sparked a political row, with Harrow Conservatives accused of presenting a partial picture of the funding system. Responding to criticism, local Conservatives claimed that “Brent receives far more grant funding from central government and that Harrow has, for manyContinue reading “Council tax politics: Harrow Conservatives accused of misleading spin on funding fairness”
Harrow Monitoring Group 