I have loved being Leader of the Council, but the time has come for someone else to have a turn.
Council news
I have lived in Barnet all my life, and I am extremely proud of all that has been achieved in the last eight years.
I have enjoyed the challenge of making the money go further. This has not always been easy and we have had to make some difficult decisions, but the borough is now in a better place. We kept general Council Tax frozen for 9 years until 2019, while resident satisfaction with the council has remained high.
I am pleased with the progress that we have made in children’s services, and proud of the developments taking place in parts of Barnet, such as Stonegrove, Colindale and Dollis Valley.
I am stepping down at an exciting time for Barnet. We have two brand new leisure centres opening later in the year, and a new Youth Zone for local children and young people opens its doors next month.
I will continue as a Councillor and look forward to working with the new Leader. Cllr Dan Thomas is now Leader of the Conservative Group, and is expected to be appointed as Leader of the Council on Tuesday 21 May. I am confident he will be successful and hope he enjoys his time as much as I have.