Tributes to Hendon councillor and ex Barnet Mayor Anthony Finn, who dies aged 75

Hendon Conservative councillor and former Mayor of Barnet Anthony Finn has passed away, it has been confirmed.

A message tweeted by Hendon Ward Conservatives on Monday said: “We are incredibly saddened to hear about the passing of Cllr Anthony Finn, a long-standing councillor in Hendon Ward and an extremely dedicated ward representative.

“His presence will be sorely missed in the council chamber. ”

The Hendon Ward account also said their “thoughts go out” to Cllr Finn’s family including his wife Anita.

Finn, 75, had been an elected representative on Barnet Council for over 30 years, holding various Cabinet positions in this time, including on the budget performance overview and scrutiny committee.

In 2010 he was elected Mayor of Barnet, with his wife becoming mayoress for the next year.

That year Finn was invited to Beis Yaakov Primary School to tell the children about his duties as mayor.

At the 2018 local elections Finn topped the vote in the Hendon ward as one of three Conservative representatives.

Last July it was announced he had not been chosen as a candidate for the local elections in May.

Finn’s current ward colleague Mark Shooter, having learned of his death tweeted he “had the honour of working close” with Finn in Hendon for the last 12 years. ”

Shooter added:”Sending love and well wishes to all of his family. Chayim Aruchim.”

Meanwhile Robert Rams, a former adviser to Boris Johnson when he was London mayor, said:”This is such sad news.

“He was a gentleman and a scholar. We did not always agree on things but he was always very kind and welcoming towards me during our time together on the council. I wish his family a long life.”

Adam Langleben, a former Labour councillor in Hendon, also tweeted after learning of Cllr Finn’s death.

He wrote:” Very sad. I had many arguments with Cllr Finn (who despite being a Hendon Cllr was also a West Hendon constituent of mine).

“But we always ended those disagreements on good terms. He cared deeply about his community. He made Council meetings more fun. May his memory be a blessing.”

The London Mayors’ Association also posted a tribute on social media to one of its much respected members.