POLITICIANS in Barnet are split as to whether the impending Brexit will be good or bad for the country.

Barnet Council announced 62.2 per cent of people voted to remain and 37.8 per cent wanted out after a tense night at Allianz Park, Hendon, last night.

But it was not enough to declare an overall win and across the country 52.2 per cent of people voted leave - meaning Britain will cancel its EU membership.

Remain campaigner and Barnet Labour leader Barry Rawlings said he was dissapointed by the national result.

He told the Times Series: "The national result has left a bad taste in my mouth. I believe it means the nasty brand of politics we have seen emerge over the debates will become party of everyday government.

“But I am proud of the people of Barnet – the high turnout translated into their voting for a more open, tolerant world.”

Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron stood down after the announcement was made.

Hendon Tory MP Matthew Offord, who voted leave, applauded Mr Cameron for holding the referendum and said he is "saddened" by his decision.

He added: "Yesterday's vote was a historic moment in Britain's history.

"The people of the UK democratically decided that - even with the Prime Minister's negotiated deal - they do not want this country to be a member of the EU.

"We always knew there would be instability in the financial markets as a result but that will adjust and recover, as the markets did after the UK left the Exchange Rate Mechanism in the 1990s.

"The people of this country have made a choice. Everyone must respect that choice. The government must now try and  take appropriate steps to steady the financial markets and the country.

"I have confidence that we are, and will continue to be, Great Britain."

Leading Brexit campaigner Theresa Villiers, Conservative Chipping Barnet MP, was also pleased with the result - despite being convinced remain would win.

She said: "People tend to gravitate to the status quo.

"Our campaign has tried to point out that the EU is not the status quo as it is changing rapidly. It has been a tremendous experience for me to be part of this.

“I think it is worth noting how many people in Barnet wanted to leave. It did not surprise me that the borough on a whole voted to stay though as the leave vote was much stronger outside of London.”