Tributes have been paid to a long-serving councillor who died two days after he was due to become the new mayor of Barnet.

Coun. Brian Gordon, who represented Edgware for the Conservatives for more than two decades, died last Thursday morning.

He was due to be sworn in as mayor at an annual council meeting on Tuesday evening, but the ceremony could not go ahead as planned due to his illness.

Council leader Coun. Dan Thomas said: “Brian was a valued councillor and respected member of the Conservative group, who passionately represented Edgware ward for over two decades, and I know that the whole community will be reeling from this sad news.

“As well as being a committed councillor, Brian was a keen journalist and legal counsellor, always keen to vocally support the causes close to his heart. He was also a well-known and respected member of his community at Machzikei Hadass in Edgware.

“On a personal note, I always appreciated Brian’s experience, questions and advice and will sorely miss him. I have reached out to Coun. Gordon’s family on behalf of the Conservative group, and they remain in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”