“People person” Tony Vourou was backed by colleagues to take on the civic role and will now represent the borough during 2024/25, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Tony Vourou (inset) will become mayor of Barnet in May

Tony Vourou has been confirmed as Barnet’s next mayor.

Cllr Vourou is set to take over the role from current mayor Nagus Narenthira, following a vote during the full council meeting held on Tuesday (27th) at Hendon Town Hall.

The Labour councillor has lived in Barnet since 1973 and was elected to represent Brunswick Park ward in May 2022.

Cllr Vourou’s fellow ward councillors Paul Lemon and Giulia Monasterio nominated him for the role and spoke warmly about his work ethic and character.

Cllr Monasterio said when she was running to be ward councillor alongside him she was “taken aback” by his kindness, patience and passion and that his ability to relate and speak to residents was “often unmatched”.

She added Cllr Vourou was active in case work, volunteered at community events and spoke up for residents’ views, was proud of his Cypriot roots and championed diversity.

Cllr Lemon seconded Cllr Monasterio’s opinions, praising Cllr Vourou’s performance as deputy mayor over the last year saying he took to the role with “aplomb”.

Cllr Lemon described him as “very much a people person” and said he loved talking to residents, showing real “enthusiasm and genuine interest”.

He said: “This attribute will undoubtedly set him in good stead as mayor. Whether it’s case work related to unkept hedges or finding accommodation for a resident, myself and others have noticed how proactive and how much effort Tony puts in to help residents.”

Barnet Conservatives did not put forward any nominations for the mayorship. A vote was taken and Cllr Vourou’s nomination was approved.

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