Barnet leader announces new cabinet members

The leader of Barnet Council, Councillor Richard Cornelius, has announced his new cabinet.

The nine-strong team will work alongside the leader to set and implement policy over the coming months.

Councillor Cornelius will take on responsibility for strategy, communications, corporate governance and the mayoralty alongside his position as leader.

Councillor Andrew Harper continues as deputy leader as well as overseeing the portfolio for education, children and families.

The two new faces to Cabinet are Councillor David Longstaff, who will take on safety and resident engagement, and Councillor Tom Davey will take over housing.

Councillor Joanna Tambourides will move to a new portfolio of Planning.

Those continuing with their current portfolios are Councillor Brian Coleman as cabinet member for environment, Councillor Daniel Thomas for resources and performance, Councillor Sachin Rajput for adults, Councillor Helena Hart for public health, while Councillor Robert Rams becomes the cabinet member for customer access and partnerships.

Councillor Richard Cornelius, said: “We have an extraordinary job to do in the council. We are in difficult times and I hope to bring my skills as a businessman to the running of the council.

“I’ve learned you need to work hard for small savings that all add up as well as making the right strategic decisions to ensure a successful future.

“I’m confident with my new team we will be able to guide the council through this challenging period and make sure that the borough emerges even stronger.”

He also thanked Councillor Melvin Cohen who is retiring from his cabinet role for governance and civic affairs, saying: “I’d like to thank Melvin Cohen for his years of service in the cabinet. He never once failed to deliver on any of the projects he was asked to do.”

Speaking of his new cabinet members, the leader said he was sure they would bring “energy and enthusiasm to their new portfolios.”