THE former leader of Barnet Council has refused to support the move by Tory councillors to increase the allowances of senior members.

Mike Freer, who is now MP for Finchley and Golders Green after standing down as council leader last December, insists it is “not justifiable” to award huge pay hikes when other areas of the public sector are facing pay freezes.

He said he supported the view of Local Government Minister Grant Shapps, who believes it would be “harmful for local democracy” if councillors become the “bankrolled staff of the town hall”.

But Conservative councillors on Tuesday night ignored central government guidance and voted through measures that will boost leader Lynne Hillan's income by around £20,000 and that of executive members by about 40 per cent.

In a statement released after the majority decision was passed, Mr Freer said: "It is not justifiable for hikes in councillor allowances when public sector workers are facing a two-year pay freeze.

“We're all in this together, and those who hold public office need to lead by example."

He added that he, along with Conservative MPs for Hendon, Matthew Offord, and for Chipping Barnet, Theresa Villiers, have accepted pay freezes for two years.