Councillor Dan Thomas was officially appointed as the new Leader of Barnet Council at last night’s (Tuesday 21 May) meeting of Annual Council.
Councillor Dan Thomas Leader of Barnet Council
Councillor Thomas is taking over the leadership of the council from Councillor Richard Cornelius. Councillor Thomas has been Deputy Leader since 2011, as well as Chairman of the Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee, and is a ward councillor for Finchley Church End.
Councillor David Longstaff will serve as Deputy Leader to Councillor Thomas. Councillor Richard Cornelius will become Chair of the Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee.
Two new lead member roles were introduced at Annual Council. Councillor Shimon Ryde is the Lead Member for Strategic Planning and Placemaking, whilst Councillor Roberto Weeden-Sanz will be the Lead Member for Policing and Community Safety. Councillor Caroline Stock was also officially sworn in as the 55th Mayor of Barnet for the next year and she has appointed Councillor Lachhya Bahadur Gurung as her deputy.
Speaking in response to his appointment as Leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Dan Thomas, said: “I am both honoured and excited to be the new Leader of Barnet Council. This is a fantastic borough – and I will do my utmost in continuing to make it a better place for residents, businesses and visitors.
“I am looking forward to working with residents to ensure that Barnet continues to be a place that people love to live, and where local people benefit from the growth and opportunities that are being created. We have an exciting building programme that will make the borough better for everyone, including new leisure centres and community facilities opening this summer, and much needed housing that will provide future home owners and renters a quality place to live.
“I would like to wish Councillor Cornelius the very best, and look forward to building on the good work he has done for Barnet over the past eight years.”