Former councillor and Mayor of Barnet, Agnes Slocombe MBE
Cllr Danny Rich, The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, has led tributes to former councillor and Mayor of Barnet, Agnes Slocombe MBE, who passed away over the weekend (Saturday 12 July).
Agnes who celebrated her 90th birthday last month, was first elected as a Labour councillor in 1982. She gave nearly four decades of public service, representing the West Hendon ward continuously until the 2018 local election.
She was the first Black Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet and served in the role between 1997 and 1998, leading a successful appeal for the Alzheimer’s Society, her chosen charity. In July 2012 she was recognised at Full Council for her dedicated service to local government and to the residents of Barnet rendered over a period of 30 years.
Agnes also served on numerous committees and outside bodies. She served as a governor at Whitefield School, was a founder member of the Barnet Multicultural Centre, and was instrumental in the establishment of both the Barnet African Caribbean Association and the Barnet Community Relations Group. She belonged to a number of community organisations, and served as a eucharistic minister at St John’s Church in Algernon Road. Her work with the local church even received royal recognition, as in 2021 Agnes was given a Royal Maundy gift by the late Queen.
Most recently, she was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2025 with an MBE for services to the community in the London Borough of Barnet.
The Worshipful the Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Danny Rich, said:
“Agnes was an inspiration to any person who met her. She was a faithful and thoughtful servant of the community, whether that meant her neighbours, her church, the Labour Party, the mayoralty, or the council as a whole.”
Barnet Council Leader and Leader of the Barnet Labour Group, Cllr Barry Rawlings said:
“Agnes has been a pillar of the Barnet community for more than 40 years, and we will all miss her valued advice, wisdom and connection with her community. As the first Black Mayor of Barnet, she broke down barriers and acted as a role model for many, and that legacy will live on through the many community groups she founded or played a key role in leading over several decades.
“My thoughts and condolences, and those of everybody across the political spectrum here in Barnet, are with her family and friends at this time.”
Also paying tribute, the Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Peter Zinkin, said:
“Agnes Slocombe MBE was a deeply committed public servant who dedicated many years to the people of Barnet. She was a trailblazer. She brought wisdom, warmth and a strong sense of duty to her work as a councillor for the residents of West Hendon, and she will be remembered with great affection and respect by colleagues across all parties. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this sad time.”
Agnes is survived by children Paulette, Yolander and Anderson, four grandchildren and one great grandchild.
ENDS