BARNET’S deputy leader is first councillor to throw his hat into the ring for the newly vacant top job.

Councillor Andrew Harper says he will stand for leader of the council after Councillor Lynne Hillan quit the post yesterday.

At last night’s Annual Council meeting it was announced Cllr Hillan was stepping down with immediate effect because of her ongoing battle with cancer.

It was announced Cllr Harper will act as interim leader until a formal leadership election can be arranged and said today he will be standing in the contest.

However, he said he could not predict which of his Conservative colleagues would also stand for election.

He added the group is keen to “progress as swiftly as possible” to elect a new leader in time for the next full council meeting on July 12.