Former Barnet Mayor, John Marshall
Cllr Danny Rich, The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, has led tributes to John Marshall, the former Mayor of Barnet, who passed away this week (Monday 3 November).
John Marshall’s distinguished political career began while serving on Aberdeen City Council, before moving to London and serving on Ealing Borough Council where he spent 12 years. He was then elected as Member of the European Parliament for London North from 1979 to 1989. He then represented Hendon South as a Member of Parliament from 1987 to 1997. In 1998, he was elected to Barnet Council for the Garden Suburb Ward, a position he held until May 2022 when he decided not to stand for re-election.
Throughout his time on the council, John served in numerous roles including Mayor of Barnet (2008–2009), Cabinet Member, and Committee Chairman.
In recognition of his exceptional service, John was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough at an extraordinary meeting of the Council on 1 March 2022. This is the highest honour Barnet Council can bestow.
In leading tributes, The Worshipful Mayor of Barnet, Cllr Danny Rich, said:
“John was a distinguished public servant whom I met on being elected. Although we came from different political parties, his courtesy and capacity to make a new councillor feel at home was a reflection of his inherent decency and fine humanity.”
Barnet Council Leader, Cllr Barry Rawlings, added:
“John Marshall’s life was one of service, dedication, and commitment to the people of Barnet. His work touched every level of public life, from Europe to Westminster to our local council and he leaves a legacy that will long be remembered.
“On behalf of Barnet Council, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working with him.”
Leader of the Opposition, Cllr Peter Zinkin, said:
“John was an outstanding public servant to the residents of Barnet. Over four decades he represented Barnet at almost every level from European Parliamentarian to Member of Parliament for Hendon South from ward councillor in the Garden Suburb to Mayor of Barnet and finally as the greatly respected Life President of the Finchley and Golders Green Conservative Association which he loved. His service was recognised when he received the Freedom of the Borough.
“His loss is a devastation to all who knew him well, to his family, his friends and the members of The Conservative Association he led for much of his life. We all offer our deepest condolences to his family and his many friends.”