Cabinet Member Stands Down After Law Firm Closed

Regulator says 'reason to suspect dishonesty' of Raghwinder Siddhu

Cllr Siddhu (left) with Sir Keir Starmer. Picture: Facebook

July 15, 2025

A member of Hounslow Council’s cabinet and former Mayor of the borough has stepped down after a decision by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) to shut a firm of which he had served as a director.

SZ Solicitors Limited of Great West Road ,Hounslow was subject to closure notice by the SRA which was published on Friday (11 July) with a notice attached to the company’s office door which says this had been done “to protect the interests of its clients and former clients”.

Cllr Raghwinder Siddhu was one of two directors of this firm until he resigned a month ago. The notice says that there is ‘reason to suspect dishonesty’ on the part of the two managers of the firm, Cllr Siddhu and Mohammad Zafar, and that they had failed to act in accord with a number of codes of conduct which govern the actions of solicitors. The practising certificate of both men has been suspended.

Cllr Siddhu’s responsibility as a cabinet member included overseeing policing in the borough. He is believed to have been a close ally of the council leader, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat. He represents Bedfont ward on the council and has not announced that he is stepping down from this role. He served as Mayor of Hounslow two years ago. His wife Emma also remains on the council representing Heston West.

In a statement issued this Monday (14 July) Cllr Siddhu said, "I have spoken with the Leader Shantanu Rajawat today and have notified him that I am stepping down from my Cabinet role. It has been an honour to serve, and I’ve greatly valued the opportunity to contribute. Our administration remains ambitious to Hounslow and I remain committed to working hard for the residents of Bedfont Ward and the borough as a Labour Councillor."

Cllr Rajawat said, “Cllr Raghwinder Siddhu has notified me of his intention to step away from his Cabinet role, and I thank him for his service. I am announcing today the appointment of Councillor Pritam Grewal as the new Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Customer Experience and Enforcement.

"Cllr Grewal has served our borough as Ward Councillor with dedication for 23 years and brings a wealth of experience to this important role. He has previously held Cabinet positions, where he demonstrated strong leadership, sound judgement, and a deep understanding of the needs of our communities.

"His extensive knowledge of our borough and his passion for improving services make him well-placed to lead our work in keeping Hounslow safe, delivering excellent service to our residents, and ensuring effective enforcement across the borough.

"I look forward to working closely with Cllr Grewal as we continue to build a safer and inclusive borough for everyone who lives and works in Hounslow.”