TWO councillors have joined Barnet executive for the first time following the council’s annual cabinet reshuffle.

East Barnet councillor Robert Rams will leave his post as assistant cabinet member for environment and transport to take up the investment in learning portfolio.

Finchley Church End councillor Daniel Thomas will step down as assistant cabinet member for resources to take on policy performance.

The Conservatives also unanimously voted in Lynne Hillan as their new deputy leader. Ms Hillan will take over the resources portfolio from council leader Mike Freer.

Councillor Brian Coleman has left the cabinet and will be sworn in as Mayor of Barnet at the council’s annual meeting this evening.

Mr Freer said: “Both Daniel and Robert were excellent assistant cabinet members and this is a chance to bring the next generation into the cabinet to serve the borough of Barnet.

“This is a cabinet put together to solve the long- term strategic problems that face our borough, particularly given the unprecedented and appalling state of the public finances caused by Gordon Brown.”

Ms Hillan said: “It is a huge honour to be taking on the role of deputy leader and cabinet member for resources."