A COUNCILLOR has thrown his name into the ring to become the new leader of Barnet’s Labour Group.

Ross Houston joined the party in the 1980s and was elected to represent residents in West Finchley in 2006.

Councillor Alison Moore will step down as leader of the party next month and Cllr Houston hopes to be her successor.

The 48-year-old, who works in housing management, has a keen interest in housing issues and was one of the driving forces behind the Barnet Labour Housing Commission.

He said: “It’s great to be involved in the borough. I have helped keep issues on housing in the borough very high – we’ve faced a lot of challenges but I’m proud to have kept that at the forefront.

“I don’t think any other opposition party has set up any kind of housing commission, so I am proud of that as well.”

Cllr Houston also played a key role in the committee that analysed the ruling Conservative group’s controversial decision to outsource its services to Capita.

He has lived in Barnet for nearly 18 years and in that time, has also taken a keen interest in education.

He was a school governor at Friern Barnet School until 2005 and is currently the chairman of Northside School.

He added: “I am passionate about local issues, which is why I want to be the next leader of Barnet’s Labour Group.”

The group will vote for their next leader at a meeting on December 3.