Hillan sends Hanukah wishes to Barnet's Jewish community

By John Kaponi
Editor-in-Chief

The Conservative group in Barnet council, last night elected, Lynne Hillan as new leader following incumbent Mike Freer's decision to stand down, and focus on his parliamentary campaign to be the next MP for Finchley and Golders Green.  

In a historic move the Conservative group in Barnet overwhelmingly backed Lynne Hillan to become the first female leader of the Barnet Conservatives, Lynn Hillan said to the London Daily News of her election:

"I am delighted to be leader, especially as I am the first female leader of Barnet."

In terms of Hillan's vision for the future, and the prospect of major cuts in funding by central government Hillan said:

"It is terribly important in these very difficult financial times that we keep council tax to a minimum, and that will be my intention, certainly for this year and the for the next two or three years until we come out of recession."

Continuing on from the legacy left by Mike Freer, Hillan wants to continue reviewing back office services in the borough "we want to give tax payers value for money".

Hillan is conscious of the "more for less" ethos espoused by the Conservative party "we are providing more and better services for less money in Barnet, and I want to continue this".

Education is one of Barnet's main selling points, and major motivation for people wanting to relocate to the borough, Hillan said:

"Education is part of Barnet's reputation, people know if they live in Barnet the schools are some of the best in the country and I intend to support our schools to remain the best".

Hillan, conscious of the Hanukkah celebrations taking place all over London, with Barnet the home of the largest Jewish community in the UK said:

"I would like to wish all the Jewish community a Happy Hanukah, and look forward to working with all the community in the future".

Lynne Hillan, won an overwhelming majority in the election to become leader of the Barnet Conservatives, having served as deputy leader for many years, and gained a strong pedigree amongst the people of Barnet and local and national Conservative party.

photo credit: Mike Freer and Lynn Hillan