Former Barnet mayor John Tiplady OBE, who served for 32 years as a councillor, has died aged 86.

Mr Tiplady, from Finchely Park Road, was first elected in a by-election in 1970 and served continuously as a Conservative councillor for the former Friern Barnet Ward until he retired in 2002.

He had also been a member of the selection committee that adopted former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as the Conservative candidate for Finchley in 1958.

He was appointed Mayor of Barnet from 1983 to 1984.

During his time on the council, Mr Tiplady was chairman of the former town planning and research committee and chairman of the former northern area planning sub-committee.

Mr Tiplady also represented Barnet on the London fire and civil defence authority from 1986 to 1994.

He was chairman of governors at Christ's College, in East End Road, Finchley, and Oakleigh School, in Oakleigh Road North, Whetstone.

He was awarded an OBE in 1984 for his political and public service.

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor John Marshall said: "John Tiplady was a magnificent servant to Barnet, having joined the council in 1970 and serving his ward for 32 years.

“He was equally at ease dining with Margaret Thatcher or meeting with constituents in his ward.

“He will be missed by many who will remember his conscientious public service, his love of Barnet and his sense of humour."

Mr Tiplady is survived by his daughter Marion and grandchildren.