Paul Edwards stepped down as cabinet member for social care at this week’s Annual Council meeting

Headshots of Barnet Council cabinet members Alison Moore and Paul Edwards — Alison Moore will add adult social care to her existing portfolio as Paul Edwards steps down (Credit – Barnet Council)

Barnet Council’s cabinet for adult social care has left his role with his brief being taken on by another cabinet member.

Hight Barnet councillor Paul Edwards stepped down from his role at Tuesday’s Annual Council meeting and also plans to retire from the council at next year’s elections.

The adult social care portfolio will now be taken on by the cabinet member for health and wellbeing, Alison Moore. Cllr Moore will now be cabinet member for adult social care and health and the number of cabinet members will be reduced from ten to nine.

Council leader Barry Rawlings said: “I would like to pay tribute to Cllr Edwards for his hard work and dedication.

“Adult social care is one of the most challenging portfolios, and Cllr Edwards has shown real leadership in his time as cabinet member.

“The service, which was recently rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission, delivers vital services to our older and disabled residents many of whom have complex and very high needs.

“As well as overseeing this very large budget – a huge challenge in these difficult financial times, Cllr Edwards has introduced new initiatives such as the mental health and social care users’ charter and worked with Age UK on our journey to becoming an age-friendly borough.

“He has given his life to adult social care in Barnet, including as a social worker, and we thank him for all he has done”.

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