Hale councillor resigns

8:30am Tuesday 18th March 2008

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A Barnet councillor yesterday resigned from her seat with immediate effect.

Councillor Jane Ellison stood down after serving Hale ward since 2006. She was also a member for Mill Hill between 1991 and 1994.

Having moved away from the borough, Ms Ellison said she feels the baton should be passed on to someone who can commit more time to serving Barnet.

She was also selected as a prospective parliamentary candidate for the Conservative party in the marginal Battersea constituency in 2006.

She said: "I very much enjoyed my time in this area, and it was an honour to represent the people of Mill Hill and Edgware.

"However, it is not now possible to represent local people in the way I would want to so I have stepped aside in order that someone new can take up the mantle for Hale."

Ms Ellison has been actively involved with a number of groups and societies in the Mill Hill area, including the Mill Hill Preservation Society and the Hendon Christian Housing Association.

In 1995 she co-founded the Mill Hill Music Festival.

Deputy leader of Barnet Council, and friend, Councillor Matthew Offord said: "I would like to pay tribute to Jane's work for Mill Hill and Edgware over the years.

"She dedicated herself to working for her local area, both on and off the council, and she will be a hard act to follow. I would like to wish Jane the very best of luck for the future."

The seat will remain vacant until a by-election is called.