Tributes have been paid to the former Leader of Barnet Council, Lynne Hillan, who lost her battle with cancer last night.

Cllr Hillan took on leadership of the council from December 2009 until May 2011 when she decided to quit her role as her condition worsened.

In a secret ballot, Councillor Richard Cornelius was voted to take on leadership of the council. He said: “Lynne had been ill for some time but fought her illness bravely and remained alert until the last moment.

“Lynne will be missed by me as a person with whom I could always have a frank discussion and arrive at a sensible solution. Her sage advice was always of value to me.

“Her commitment to her colleagues, the council and people of Barnet will long be remembered.

“She always put herself in the position of the resident whose life was being affected by any proposed change and the taxpayer who was picking up the bill. I will remember her as a very determined lady.”

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Lisa Rutter, wrote to councillors earlier today to inform them about the news.

In her statement she said: “As a mark of respect we will be flying the borough flag at half mast.

"Her passing will be a great loss to the council and the borough and I am sure you will join me in passing on my thoughts and condolences to Lynne’s family at this sad time.”

Cllr Hillan was also a Brunswick Park ward member for 14 years and was the first female Leader of Barnet Council. She is credited with being the original architect of the One Barnet scheme to outsource council services.

Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Alison Moore said: "I am deeply saddened by the news of Cllr Hillan's death. Lynne was a dedicated public servant, and although our politics differed I greatly admired her for the courage and determination she showed during her long illness. "She was a strong woman in what is still a male dominated political world and I will always remember her for that and her commitment to Barnet."

Theresa Villiers, MP for Chipping Barnet, added: This is a tragic loss. Lynne did wonderful work over so many years for her ward residents in Brunswick Park and for the whole of Barnet.

"She was a steadfast and loyal friend to me. I will miss her hugely and I am shocked and saddened that her long battle with cancer is now at an end. She was incredibly brave and came back from the brink so many times.

"She will be missed by all the many people she helped and supported over the years as well as by her many friends and family."