My focus is on Barnet residents

The borough’s first elected Green councillor, Charli Thompson, responds to the decision of Labour and the Conservatives to block her from serving on council committees

A row of people standing behind a lectern with an aircraft in the background — The declaration for Woodhouse ward, which saw Charli Thompson (third from left) elected for the Greens

Following the election, I wrote to both the Labour and Conservative groups requesting a place on Barnet Council’s Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub Committee.

My request was based on years of campaigning and policy work around unmet need in adult social care, disability rights, wellbeing and co-production, alongside my own lived experience as a disabled person and carer.

Over 47,000 people voted Green in Barnet in this election, which is 16% of the vote across the borough. In a genuinely balanced council, residents would reasonably expect different voices, experiences and political perspectives to be represented within the council’s scrutiny structures.

My request was specifically focused on local issues affecting Barnet residents in relation to adult social care and health. Barnet faces growing pressures on public services, ongoing concerns around outsourcing and privatisation, major questions around transparency and accountability, and public concern following serious failures within children’s services. I believe stronger scrutiny and broader democratic participation are more important than ever.

Both major parties have declined my request for representation on the committee, citing internal committee allocation pressures and limited places available.

In comments published by Barnet Post, both parties also suggested they would not enter into agreements or arrangements with me. Some of the reasoning given centred around national political disagreements and international issues.

My focus is and always has been on Barnet residents. I campaigned solely on doing what is in my power as a councillor to do to make residents’ lives better. Having been elected, I will do exactly that.

At a time when many residents are frustrated with politics as usual, I believe the council should be moving towards a more open, collaborative and democratic culture. We need a council that reflects the fact that tens of thousands of residents voted for change and for a different kind of politics. Elected councillors are here to represent all residents, not just those who voted for us.

I have not asked for a cabinet position, to chair a committee or for political favours, simply the opportunity to contribute to scrutiny work in an area where I have substantial lived and learned experience, and where stronger challenge and transparency are badly needed.

Instead, both major parties appear more focused on protecting internal party structures and political positioning.

Despite this disappointing response, I remain committed to representing residents constructively and continuing to push for greater transparency, accountability and community participation across the council.

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