PETER Curling will continue as leader of the Labour group on Hillingdon Council, with a new deputy in Stuart Mathers, who has represented West Drayton ward since 2018.

Cllr Curling has served on the council since 2002 and has led the Labour group since 2017.

In May next year, the number of councillors in Hillingdon reduces from 65 to 53, with the ward areas and names changing.

It is unclear what this means for the political balance on Hillingdon Council, which the Conservatives have run for 23 years. 

Cllr Curling said: "The Conservatives are running out of ideas, and we will be ready to step up and take over should Hillingdon residents give us their trust next May."