Brian Salinger in Mayoral robes
Cllr Dan Thomas, Leader of the Barnet Conservative Group, has led tributes to the former Leader of the Council and Mayor of Barnet, Brian Salinger, who passed away yesterday (21 December).
Brian Salinger was first elected a Conservative councillor in 1986, representing Friern Barnet Ward and, after boundary changes, Oakleigh Ward. He retired at the end of his mayoral year 2017-2018 as the 53rd Mayor of Barnet.
Paying tribute, Cllr Thomas said:
‘’We are shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Brian Salinger, we send our condolences to his wife Kate and their family at this deeply sad time.
“Brian served Barnet as Mayor, Council Leader and was a long-standing Conservative councillor in Oakleigh ward. A committed member of the community, he continued to support local organisations and civic events after retiring from public life.
“His readiness to assist, compassionate advocacy and sense of humour will be missed by many.’’
Cllr Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, added:
“It was with a mixture of shock and sadness that we learnt of the passing of Brian Salinger. Brian gave a lot to the civic life of Barnet as councillor, Council Leader and Mayor as well as his tireless work for Homeless Action in Barnet and the pupil referral unit.
“We will miss Brian, not just for his jokes and ties, but also as a colleague who would work cross-party for the benefit of Barnet. Our condolences go to his wife Kate and their family.”
In 2005, Brian Salinger was elected Leader of the Council and during this time he oversaw housing regeneration schemes on the borough’s four largest estates, and the Primary Schools Investment Programme which led to a number of primary schools being re-built.
Prior to that he was the Cabinet Member for Housing and Environmental Health.
In the early 1990s, Brian Salinger was chairman of the Barnet Health Authority, at a time when plans were drawn up for the re-building of Barnet General Hospital.
He took a great interest in education matters and was chairman of the governors of Moss Hall Nursery School for over 30 years. He was also the Chairman of the Management Committee of Barnet’s pupil referral unit.
He represented the borough on Jesus Hospital Charitable Trust, an Almshouse Charity, and The Valentine Poole Charity.
Brian is survived by his wife, Kate, and children Emily, Stephen and Tom.