Brent’s former deputy leader has said he nearly didn’t stand for re-election as he doesn’t like the direction the Labour council is going in.

Labour’s Cllr Michael Pavey secured 2,411 votes to represent Barnhill in the election on May 3, a rise from 1,988 votes four years ago.

Writing on his blog, he said he was “humbled” to receive an increased majority adding: “I almost didn’t stand this time because there is much about the direction of Brent Council which I do not like. But I’m so glad I did.”

Cllr Pavey launched an unsuccessful bid to topple Cllr Muhammed Butt as council leader in May 2016. He subsequently lost his position as deputy leader and was given the stronger communities role. But he quit the cabinet, citing “differences” with Cllr Butt.

“I’ve really enjoyed the freedom of being a backbencher to focus on working with residents,” said Cllr Pavey. “I don’t want to get drawn back into political arguments now.”