Councillor Zara Begg has been elected as the new Mayor of Barnet for the municipal year 2026-27. The election took place at the Annual Council meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, a date that signifies the start of her term of office, which is an annual process for Barnet's governance.
Councillor Begg was nominated by Councillor Phil Cohen, who highlighted her proven ability to work well with the voluntary sector and bring together different communities and support our boroughs of sanctuary.
Councillor David Longstaff seconded the nomination, emphasizing Councillor Begg's real skill in making connection with local residents, has worked across communities, faiths, geographies and generations, engaging warmly with residents, organisations and groups and indeed with other councillors across the chamber.
These qualities are expected to guide her priorities and initiatives during her term.
Following her election, Councillor Begg appointed Councillor Humayune Khalick as Deputy Mayor and Councillor Lakhya Bahadur Gurung as Civic Ambassador. The Deputy Mayor is appointed to act as deputy mayor in case of and during my absence or illness during my term of office, and to do, execute and perform in my place and stead all acts, deeds and matters which in my official capacity as mayor I might myself lawfully do, execute and perform.
The Civic Ambassador's role is to serve as a representative of the London Borough of Barnet, fostering goodwill, civic pride and positive engagement within and beyond our community.
The Annual Council meeting, detailed in the public reports pack, also addressed several other key issues. These included the results of the local government elections, which established a political balance of 31 Labour members, 31 Conservative members, and one Green Party member. The meeting also saw discussions and debates on constitutional amendments, with concerns raised about potential impacts on democratic participation and transparency. The appointment of the Leader of the Council was a significant point, marked by a closely contested vote. Additionally, official announcements were made regarding global events affecting Barnet, including arson attacks on Hatzolah ambulances and properties within the Jewish community, as well as an attempted arson attack on the memorial wall of the Iranian community.
The agenda for the meeting was outlined in the agenda frontsheet.
