THREE Conservative councillors are stepping down from high-profile roles in the Hendon Conservative Association this week.

The trio have cited family and work commitments as the reason for leaving their posts after helping Matthew Offord get elected as MP for Hendon last year.

One of those stepping aside is deputy chairman Councillor Mark Shooter, who launched an unsuccessful bid to unseat Barnet Council's leader Lynne Hillan after the allowances scandal last summer.

Councillor Joan Scannell, the chairman of the association and its secretary, Councillor Sury Khatri, have also decided not to seek re-election to the posts at an AGM on Sunday.

Cllr Scannell said: “2010 was the most successful year the association has seen in decades.

“Matthew Offord was elected as the MP for Hendon, all sitting councillors were re-elected and two more seats were gained in Mill Hill, all due to the hard work and dedication of all five association officers, the agent the members and the electorate.”

Cllr Shooter said the highlight of his year, apart from being elected in May to Mr Offord's Hendon council seat, was the visit of Prime Minister David Cameron and other senior Tory MPs during the General Election campaign.