The ongoing row between to opposing councillors had a new twist following the Borough Solicitor's decision not to make further investigations into complaints made by Labour's Patrick Edwards into the actions of Tory Councillor Robert Oulds who represents the Chiswick Riverside ward.

The basis of Cllr. Edwards complaint was that Cllr. Oulds was using Council meetings and premises to promote the position of the euro-sceptic Bruges Group, of which he is a paid officer. Cllr. Edwards said, "Cllr Oulds can be a member of whatever extreme right wing pressure group that takes his fancy - but he should not expect Hounslow Council tax payers to subsidise a platform for him."

The Council’s Borough Solicitor has subsequently advised Cllr. Edwards that he could not find real prejudice on Cllr. Oulds’ part to warrant investigating further whether he breeched the Members Code of Conduct.

Cllr. Oulds said: “It is not a nice feeling being accused of something, especially when you know you are innocent and the person reporting you is only being malevolent! I think it speaks volumes that Cllr. Edwards chooses to reports me rather than Members of his own groups, many of whom of have openly been called liars, pretty crooks and cheats"

Cllr. Edwards action was widely seen by Tory councillors as being in retaliation for their highlighting of his non-attendance of a key council committee on crime. Cllr. Oulds was aiming to join this committee but was effectively excluded by the Labour group.

Cllr Peter Thompson, Leader of the Conservative Group accused Cllr Edward of being petty and vindictive saying,"Cllr Edwards actions have resulted in our officers wasting a lot of time in investigating allegations that should never have been made!"