Agenda and minutes

Prior to formally opening the meeting, the outgoing Mayor Councillor Hack took the opportunity to welcome all new and returning councillors following the outcome of the recent borough election as well as guests to the Annual Council meeting.  He then invited Kim Wright (as the Council’s Chief Executive) to provide a brief outline of the arrangements for the conduct of the meeting and Mayor Making ceremony. Having noted the outline provided, the Mayor then formally opened the meeting.

The Mayor advised that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors I.Ahmed and J.Patel.

For the Council to elect a Mayor for the 2026-2027 Municipal Year, in accordance with Standing Order 27(a).

Prior to handing over to the Chief Executive for the conduct of the election process, Councillor Hack began by asking members for nominations to the office of Mayor of the London of Borough of Brent for the 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year.

Councillor Muhammed Butt proceeded to nominate Councillor Amer Agha.  In moving the nomination, he firstly took the opportunity to thank Councillor Hack for his hard work and dedication whilst serving as Mayor and commitment in seeking to represent local community groups and organisations.  In taking the opportunity to congratulate all members on their election (whether as new or returning councillors) the Leader then moved on to advise how pleased he was to nominate Councillor Agha for the position of Mayor, recognising the importance of the role and qualities it was felt he would he demonstrate in providing strong civic leadership across the borough.

No other nominations were received with the Chief Executive therefore advising members that they would need to confirm the appointment on the basis of a vote requiring a straightforward majority to be achieved.

Prior to the vote, Councillor Georgiou (as Leader of the Liberal Democrats Group) requested (under Standing Order 43 (c)) that this be undertaken on the basis of a roll call.  Having confirmed the request, the outgoing Mayor then handed over to the Chief Executive for the appointment of the Mayor to be put to the vote.

On a recorded vote being taken the appointment of Councillor Amer Agha as Mayor was declared CARRIED.  It was therefore RESOLVED that Councillor Amer Agha be elected Mayor of the London Borough of Brent for the 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year.

The voting recorded on the appointment of Councillor Amer Agha as Mayor was as follows:

For (34): Councillors Aden, Agha, P.Ahmed, Amadi, Anderson, Bajwa, Blackman, Burn, M.Butt, S.Butt, Chadha, Choudry, Chowdhury, Dar, De Souza, Dixon, Donnelly-Jackson, Do Rosario, Grahl, Ibrahim, Johnson, Kansagra, Kelcher, Knight, Madhabushi, Mahmood, Maurice, McLeish, Mishra, Mistry, A.Patel, H.Patel, Rubin and Thomas

Against: (20): Councillors Ahmadi-Moghaddam, Alexandre, Brown, Chauhan, Clinton, Gallagher, Georgiou, Jansali, Lorber, Malonga, Mitchell, Mulaisho, N.Patel, Perrin, Ryan, Shah, Unger, Vakani, Want and Warsame.

Abstentions (1): Councillor Hack (Mayor).

Councillor Agha then proceeded to sign the statutory Declaration of Acceptance of Office of Mayor.

To receive notice from the Mayor regarding the appointment of a Councillor of the Borough to be Deputy Mayor, in accordance with Standing Order 27(b).

Councillor Agha, taking over as Chair of the meeting, thanked members for his nomination and appointment as Mayor.  Prior to the Mayor announcing the appointment of his Deputy Mayor Councillor Georgiou, in raising a point of order, felt it important to recognise that whilst the Local Government Act 1972 enabled the Mayor of a London Borough to appoint a Deputy Mayor there was no obligation on the Mayor to make such an appointment.  Councillor Georgiou therefore urged the Mayor to carefully consider the basis of any appointment, especially if that involved the position being offered to a member of the Conservative Group as part of any agreement between the Groups, which it was not felt reflected the outcome of the recent borough election.

In response, Councillor Kansagra (as a Point of Order) challenged the basis of the comments made by Councillor Georgiou, reminding members that these had preceded any announcement being made by the Mayor.

Having noted the comments made, the Mayor moved on (without further comment) to announce the appointment of Councillor Kanta Mistry to serve as Deputy Mayor for the 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year

At this stage in proceedings the Mayors Chain of Office and robes were exchanged between the outgoing and newly appointed Mayor and also Deputy Mayor.

Councillor Agha then formally returned thanks for his appointment.  Starting by welcoming all guests, he highlighted his pride in being nominated as Mayor and thanked all members for their trust, confidence and faith in appointing him to take on the role as first citizen of the borough.

Highlighting the privilege he felt in being appointed as Mayor, Councillor Agha began by reflecting on his personal journey which had involved his family first arriving in the United Kingdom in 2004 from Saudi Arabia, with their roots in Pakistan, where they had initially faced uncertainty before thankfully being welcomed with friendship, opportunity and a sense of belonging by the local community in Brent.

In seeking to build a future for their children, Councillor Agha recalled a formative experience which had involved the provision of support, particularly from the late Councillor Harbhajan Singh and his wife Mrs Kamal Singh (fondly referred to as Kamal Ji) in enabling his children to secure local primary school places.  Councillor Agha advised it was this act of kindness which had demonstrated the value and power of public service and community spirit which had taken forward as key principles in driving and inspiring his own involvement in local politics based on a desire to give something back to the community that had given so much to both him and his family.  Councillor Agha was also proud to highlight the achievements in relation to his professional and academic path, with these identified as key in driving his passion about the importance of education, which he also hoped to be able to share during his time as Mayor given the way the way this could also create opportunities and improve life chances.

Reflecting on his time serving  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To invite a vote of thanks to the outgoing Mayor, in accordance with Standing Order 27(c).

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt, as Leader of the Council, to propose a vote of thanks to Councillor Hack as the outgoing Mayor along with all co-opted and other independent members serving on the Council’s committees.

Councillor Muhammed Butt in once again congratulating Councillor Agha on his appointment as Mayor, began by recognising the honour in serving as First Citizen of the Borough and in being able to advocate and serve as a champion for Brent, which were roles he felt Councillor Hack had worked hard to fulfil during his time as Mayor.  Recognising the energy, dignity, dedication and commitment demonstrated by Councillor Hack in serving the people of Brent during his time as Mayor, the Leader praised Councillor Hack for his warmth, good humour and the valued contribution made in representing the borough during his Mayoralty highlighting his efforts in seeking to bring all communities together as a visible and enthusiastic ambassador and in support of numerous community organisations and local causes with these efforts, he advised, being appreciated by all members.  In ending therefore hoped Councillor Hack would take pride in all he achieved during his Mayoralty.

Moving on, Councillor Butt then took the opportunity to highlight the valued work of the Council’s co-opted and independent committee members, given the core role they played as critical friends in the Council’s democratic process and in terms of strengthening the quality, transparency and accountability of work being undertaken.  In passing on his thanks, he advised how their independence and objectivity were highly valued and seen as integral to the role of the bodies on which they served including Scrutiny, Audit & Standards and the various health and education related bodies.  Recognising the pressures and challenges which local government continued to face, he ended by thanking all of the co-opted and Independent members for the welcome contribution they continued to make to the good governance of Brent.

The Mayor then invited comments from other members in recognition of the role undertaken by Councillor Hack during his time as Mayor.

In response, Councillors Kansagra, Grahl, Kelcher, H.Patel, Clinton, Georgiou, Dar, P.Ahmed, Johnson, Maurice , Mahmood, Thomas and finally Councillor De Souza all spoke to congratulate the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor on their appointment and thank Councillor Hack as outgoing Mayor, recognising the commitment, leadership, service and compassion demonstrated in undertaking his civic role.  Reflecting on his appointment as the youngest Mayor of Brent, members were keen to commend Councillor Hack on his enthusiasm, professionalism and dedication in seeking to represents Brent’s communities and also for the fair, effective and impartial way in which he had presided over Full Council meetings with such confidence.

Reference was also made to the extensive programme of civic engagements attended by Councillor Hack during his term as Mayor across the borough, with members keen to acknowledge his visibility within local communities, willingness to engage with residents from all backgrounds and his commitment to promoting Brent both within and beyond the borough.  His strong connection with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, the nature and existence of any relevant disclosable pecuniary or personal interests in the items on this agenda and to specify the item(s) to which they relate.

There were no interests declared by Members at the meeting.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the previous meeting of the Council held on Monday 23 February 2026.

(Agenda republished to include attached minutes on 19 May 2026)

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting held on Monday 23 February 2026 be approved as a correct record.

To approve the appointment of the Leader of the Council for a term of office expiring at the post election Annual Meeting of the Council held after the next ordinary local borough elections in May 2030.

As this was the first meeting of the new Administration following the local borough elections in May 2026 the Mayor invited nominations for the office of Leader of the Council, which members were advised would be for a term of office to expire at the Annual Council meeting following the next borough election in May 2030.

Prior to nominations being made, Councillor Georgiou advised of an amendment he was seeking to move under Standing Order 42 (a) relating to the process for appointment of the Leader and the subsequent appointments made to Cabinet positions.  Referring to discussions between members and the comments made by Councillor Clinton earlier during the meeting, Councillor Georgiou reiterated what he felt to be the importance of developing a more collaborative approach towards the way in which all groups now represented on the Council sought to work with an emphasis on cooperation and partnership as the basis for the Council's future governance arrangements.

Referencing the outcome of the recent borough elections. Councillor Georgiou pointed out that this had not given any single political party a mandate to govern independently and was felt to represent a clear message from the electorate that a more collaborative and inclusive approach was required in terms of the borough’s leadership.  Having been requested by the Mayor to focus on the substance of amendment being proposed, Councillor Georgiou advised that he would therefore be seeking to propose the adoption of a cross party alliance as the basis for the Council’s future governance arrangements involving a Cabinet comprising of nine members allocated on the basis of four Labour Group members, 2 members from the Liberal Democrats and Conservative Groups and one from the Green Group, which it was felt would better reflect the wishes expressed by the electorate at the last borough election and provide a new and more dynamic leadership and governance model for the borough.

Following the outline of the proposed amendment from Councillor Georgiou the Mayor then moved on to seek formal nominations for the position of Leader of the Council.  At this stage, Councillor Grahl proceeded to move the nomination of Councillor Muhammed Butt to the office of Leader of the Council.

As a result of clarification provided at the meeting by the Chief Executive regarding the order in which any nominations received and subsequent amendments moved in relation to that process would need to be considered and voted upon, Councillor Georgiou advised that he would no longer be seeking to formally move the proposed amendment he had initially outlined.

This was instead followed by Councillor Lorber formally moving the nomination of Councillor Georgiou to the office of Leader of the Council along with an amendment to the term of office for the position, on the basis that any appointment be for a one rather than four year term of office.

As no further nominations were received the Mayor advised he would now need to move to the vote on the two nominations followed by the amendment on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

To receive, in accordance with Standing Order 27(g), a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources outlining proposed changes to the Constitution following review.

(Agenda republished to include an updated version of the attached report on 19 May 2026)

The Mayor the moved on to invite Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources detailing a number of proposed changes to the Constitution.  In moving the changes outlined within the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt advised that they incorporated a necessary and targeted review of the Constitution prompted by the new political make-up of the Council following the May borough elections.  Referring to the existing Standing Orders relating to the submission of advance notice written questions and Group motions at Council meetings, members were advised these had needed to be updated to reflect the new political composition of the Council with the aim to ensure the arrangements remained fair, workable and fit for purpose ahead of the first ordinary Full Council meeting in July.

Confirmation was provided that the report had not been intended to present a wider annual review of the Constitution, with the outcome of that process scheduled to be reported back to Council in July, and instead reflected a narrower and more urgent need to ensure the basic operating rules for questions and motions recognised the new political balance on the Council.  Referring to the proposals relating to the allocation of motions and advance notice written questions, Councillor Muhammed Butt advised that the arrangements proposed had followed initial consultation with Group Leaders and involved an allocation reflecting the politically balance between Groups on the Council.  It was felt the approach outlined would not only provide a clear and fair route allowing Groups to continue to bring matters forward for debate, but would also ensure Council meetings remain manageable and focused whilst allowing members across the Council to hold the administration to account in a way that remained proportionate, practical and reflective of the new circumstances in which the Council was operating.

In commending the recommended changes to Council, Councillor Muhammed Butt ended by assuring members that the proposals reflected a desire to ensure the Council could continue to conduct its business effectively and fairly and would not prejudge the broader review to come in July.

The Mayor then opened the debate inviting other members to speak on the report, with the following contributions made.

In opening the debate Councillor Mitchell advised of an amendment she was seeking to move at this stage of the meeting under Standing Order 42 (a) in relation to the Council’s scrutiny arrangements proposing the establishment of a third Scrutiny Committee, with responsibility for housing-related matters.  In moving the amendment, Councillor Mitchell began by highlighting concern at developments during the meeting relating to the appointment of the Leader and Minority Administration, facilitated through the support of the Conservative Group rather than any genuine collaboration of cross party partnership.  These were, she felt indicative of wider shortcomings in the current political arrangements in failing to reflect the percentage of the popular vote achieved by each of the respective political groups and the wishes of the electorate.

In light of these concerns, Councillor Mitchell  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources asking Members to review and determine, under Section 15 of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, the allocation of seats on Council Committees and other relevant bodies, in accordance with Standing Order 27(h) following on from the local borough elections held on the 7 May 2026.

(Agenda republished on 15 May 2026 to include an amendment submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group)

The Mayor then moved on to invite Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources, which the Leader advised fulfilled the Council’s duty to review and determine the representation of different political groups on certain Committees at its annual meeting and as soon as practicable following on from the local borough election held on the 7 May 2026.  Members were advised the report also detailed the position regarding the appointment of Political Assistants following the outcome of the local election and designation of the Principal Opposition Group.

In moving the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) outlined the importance of the review in supporting establishment of the Council’s new governance arrangements.  Whilst acknowledging that that election result had created a more plural Council (in terms of political representation) he felt it was also important to recognise that the Labour Group still remained the largest Group on the Council.  As a result, it was pointed out, the review had been designed to ensure the allocation of seats on the committees to which the political balance rules applied were applied lawfully and fairly.  Members were reminded that application of the statutory requirements in this respect was not optional and designed to ensure the allocation on seats on those committees to which they applied were, as far as reasonably practicable, designed to reflect the political composition of the Council whilst also ensuring that the Council’s decision-making, scrutiny and regulatory functions were able to operate effectively.

In terms of the allocation of seats on specific committees, Councillor Muhammed Butt confirmed that he was moving the proposals as set out in Table 1 and 2 in section 3 of the report, subject to the final available ordinary seat (which be on the Audit & Standards Committee) being allocated to the Labour Group.  Taken overall, it was felt that the approach outlined in the report reflected a balanced and workable arrangement which recognised the overall political composition of the Council and would enable the committees listed to be established without further uncertainty.  Turning then to the designation of the Principal Opposition Group, Councillor Muhammed Butt advised that on the basis both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Groups had the same number of members he would be moving designation of the Conservative Group as the Principal Opposition Group, highlighting the importance in providing clarity around the arrangements for opposition representation and accountability and with the designation designed to reflect the need for a clear, effective opposition role within the Council’s governance framework.

As a final issue to be addressed, the Leader also advised that he was proposing that the current allocation of seats on the Health and Wellbeing Board be carried forward (as set out in section 3,12 of the report) until the broader review of the Constitution was completed. This again was felt to represent a sensible and proportionate approach, allowing the Board to continue operating effectively while the Council completed its review  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources seeking approval to the appointment of membership, Chairs and Vice Chairs and substitute membership on Council Committees and other relevant bodies, in accordance with Standing Order 27(i).

Members are asked to note that the full list of appointments have been attached.

Appointments that are not constitutionally made by Full Council (including notification of appointment(s) of the Deputy Leader and to Cabinet and any Cabinet Committee) have also been attached, for Members to note.

(Agenda republished on 20 May 2025 to include appendices 1(a) (i) – (iv) and 1(b) -of the main report detailing the full list of appointments and amended proposal)

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources. 

In introducing the item, the Leader advised that the report set out the nominations for appointments to Committees and Outside Bodies and nomination for Chairs and Vice Chairs as well as co-opted members, where necessary, for the 2026 - 27 Municipal Year, with the nominations having been made (where required) in accordance with the political balance of the Council and requirements in relation to political proportionality.  Members were advised that the appointments to be made formed an essential part in establishing the Council’s governance arrangements for the year ahead.  Referring to the alternative nominations included within Appendix 1(b) of the report submitted by the Liberal Democrats Group, Councillor Muhammed Butt advised that he would be moving the proposed appointments to committees, other bodies, Chairs and Vice-Chairs as set out in Appendix 1(a) of the report, with the chairs nominated by the Labour Group highlighted in bold.

Members were also reminded that the proposed appointments reflected the political balance arrangements agreed under the preceding item, whilst (it was felt) also recognising the need for strong and effective scrutiny in a more plural Council.  As part of the approach outlined, attention was drawn to the proposed appointment of members from the Principal Opposition Group to chair each of the Council’s scrutiny committees, with it pointed out that opportunities had also been made available for the other opposition groups to take up vice-chairing roles should they wish.  In addition, members were advised that the Chair and Vice Chair appointments on the Kingsbury and Kenton, Wembley and Kilburn Brent Connect Forums had been offered to the respective opposition groups with the Conservative and Liberal Democrats having made nominations to those posts. Taken together it was felt this provided clear recognition of the need for good governance to involve proper challenge, rigorous scrutiny and effective accountability.

In addition, it was pointed out the report sought to provide continuity in a number of other important areas, including the ongoing appointment of the Council’s Independent Persons, the independent co-opted members of the Audit and Standards Advisory Committee, and the existing co-opted members of the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee.  In moving the proposals as outlined, the Leader ended by once again highlighting the importance in being able to reach agreement on the appointments to be made in order to ensure the Council was able to continue functioning effectively in terms of its governance arrangements and to deliver for residents.

The Mayor then opened the debate inviting other members to speak on the report, with the following contributions made.

In opening the debate, Councillor Georgiou began by highlighting concerns about the basis on which the proposed appointment of Conservative Group members to chair both scrutiny committees had put forward given the close links demonstrated with the Labour adminstration during the meeting and impact this may have on the ability of scrutiny to continue holding the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To receive a report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources seeking approval to the calendar of Council meetings to take place following the Annual Council meeting for the 2026 - 2027 Municipal Year, in accordance with Standing Order 27 (j) & (k).

The Mayor then invited Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) to introduce the report from the Corporate Director of Finance & Resources which the Leader advised detailed the calendar of meeting dates for Full Council and other meetings during the 2026 - 27 Municipal Year.

As no members indicated that they wished to speak on the item the recommendations in the report were put straight to the vote by the Mayor and were unanimously declared CARRIED.

It was therefore RESOLVED:

(1)       To approve the dates for Full Council and other meetings to take place during the 2026-27 Municipal Year, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the report.

(2)    That the Deputy Director Democratic & Corporate Governance be authorised to make any alterations deemed necessary to the Municipal Calendar during the course of the year having consulted with the Leader of the Council, Leaders of the Opposition Group(s) and Chair of the affected meeting.

At the discretion of the Mayor to consider any urgent business, in accordance with Standing Order 27(m).

As there was no urgent business to be transacted the Mayor declared the Annual Meeting closed and advised that he looked forward to seeing all members at the next Council meeting on Monday 6 July 2026.

Prior to formally opening the meeting, the outgoing Mayor Councillor Dar took the opportunity to welcome all councillors and guests to the Annual Council meeting.  He then invited Kim Wright (as the Council’s Chief Executive) to provide a brief outline of the arrangements for the conduct of the meeting and Mayor Making ceremony. Having noted the outline provided, the Mayor then formally opened the meeting.