Hounslow Council loses Labour control after councillor pleads not guilty to fraud
Gurbachan Singh Athwal denied fraud charges linked to a Southall charity; council now under no overall control and trial set for 24 November at Isleworth Crown Court
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Gurbachan Singh Athwal, the 75‑year‑old representative for Heston East ward, appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 29 July 2026 and formally denied fraud by abuse of position. The prosecution alleges he double‑counted payments while acting as treasurer of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall charity, resulting in a shortfall of £12,682.
Background to the charges
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Police charged Athwal on 25 September 2026 after a Metropolitan Police investigation into financial irregularities at the Southall gurdwara charity. A police spokesperson said the charge stemmed from a voluntary interview in October 2025 and was issued via postal requisition. The charity, which runs the two largest Sikh places of worship in the area, listed Athwal as a trustee on the Charity Commission register.
Political impact on Hounslow Council
Following the charge, the Labour group withdrew its whip from Athwal, leaving him to sit as an independent. Labour’s loss of the whip meant the party no longer held a majority on Hounslow Council, which now operates without overall control. The shift creates a hung council, meaning decisions on services, planning and budgeting will require cross‑party agreements or a minority administration.
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Legal proceedings and next steps
Athwal opted to have his case transferred to Isleworth Crown Court, where he is scheduled to appear on Tuesday, 24 November 2026. Representatives for the councillor indicated the proximity of the court to his ward could prompt a further venue change. No plea was entered at the magistrates’ hearing, and the matter will proceed to trial at the crown court.
"These allegations are part of a concerted effort to defame me. I am participating fully in the process of clearing my name,"
Gurbachan Singh Athwal, councillor
What residents can do
Residents of Heston East and the wider borough can monitor council meeting minutes for updates on how the hung administration is handling service delivery. Those interested in the trial may submit written observations to Isleworth Crown Court once the case is listed, though the court will set specific guidance closer to the hearing date.
Questions this report answers
+What fraud charges does Athwal face?
Athwal is charged with fraud by abuse of position, alleged to have double‑counted payments while serving as treasurer of Sri Guru Singh Sabha Southall between 2021 and 2022. The charge carries a potential custodial sentence if he is found guilty at trial.
+How much money is alleged to have been misappropriated?
The prosecution says the alleged shortfall is £12,682. The amount is described as having been taken through double‑counting of payments, a figure that will be examined in detail during the crown court proceedings.
+What effect has the case had on Hounslow Council’s political control?
Labour removed the whip from Athwal after his arrest, which stripped the party of its majority on the council. As a result, Hounslow Council now operates without overall control, meaning decisions will need support from multiple parties or independents.
+When and where is the next court hearing?
The case has been moved to Isleworth Crown Court, with the next appearance scheduled for 24 November 2026. Athwal’s legal team has suggested the venue may be reconsidered because the court is close to his ward, but no change has been confirmed.
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