An Independent councillor was left feeling short-changed after an important council meeting was cut short by two hours to protect the “wellbeing” of her colleagues.

Georgia Weston, who represents Harrow Council’s Headstone North ward, was disappointed that last month’s full council meeting – which included the 2018-19 budget – was brought to a premature end.

According the Labour Group at the council, this was because several councillors were “very unwell” and it was the best way of protecting their health.

Ms Weston argued that such a move meant there was no chance for a “rigorous debate”, something which she, as an Independent, holds particularly dear.

The lack of discussion, she said, proved that decisions had already been taken in private and that it made a mockery of any sort of democratic process.

“[The] meeting made it absolutely clear why the cabinet system adopted by Harrow Council is failing to be representative of the borough as a whole.

“When one group of people can go off into a room to decide in advance of any meeting, how they will vote – on bloc – and then remove the opportunity for all members to take part in a debate, then there may as well not be a full council meeting,” she said.

“I found [it] to be utterly against any spirit of openness which would come from such a debate and it is perhaps indicative of a system, here in Harrow, which is inherently undemocratic.”

The Labour Group insisted that the decision was taken to “ensure the wellbeing” of those who were unwell and not to obstruct a debate.

Ms Weston explained that, while she agreed with some of the decisions put forward in the budget, she could not put forward a vote without any discussion on the matters.

She added that shortening the meeting meant there was no opportunity for people to honour the long-serving councillors who are stepping down this year.

“This was another tragedy,” she said. “A number of members had speeches prepared which would have paid tribute to those who were leaving.

“None of those members were able to speak as this last meeting, which historically would have been a chance to say a dignified farewell to all those giving up their seats, was rushed to a premature end.”