The leader of Barnet Council has said that Brian Coleman will “have to take a back seat” in Barnet politics until his legal issues are resolved.

Councillor Richard Cornelius said: “Councillor Coleman has been told that he will have to take a back seat as regards Barnet politics until legal matters are resolved.

“I have no wish to prejudice any trial and he remains innocent until proven guilty.”

Cllr Cornelius’s comments come after Cllr Coleman, ward councillor for Totteridge, was charged with assault by beating and driving on a road without reasonable consideration.

The charges relate to an incident in High Road, North Finchley, on September 20.

Cllr Coleman, a former member of the GLA, has been bailed to return to Hendon Magistrates’ Court on November 5.