Former Belsize councillor Tom Simon is now focussed on job-hunting having lost his seat.

The 37-year-old was one of 12 Liberal Democrats voted out at last month’s Camden Council election, losing in Belsize by just 24 votes to Conservative Leila Roy.

Having served since winning a 2009 by-election, Mr Simon insists he will still remain involved in the Belsize community but without the annual councillors’ allowance, he is now seeking paid employment.

“I’m not planning on going anywhere, I’m still committed to the local area and the local community and want to do what I can to support it,” he said.

“I’m going to be on the board of governors at Abacus Belsize school and will be volunteering at the library and will find things to keep myself busy.

“I’ll have to find some paid work so we’ll see what that brings.”

Mr Simon was particularly proud of his work securing the opening of free school Abacus Belsize Primary in Old Hampstead Town Hall, Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park.

“I’m very pleased that Abacus opened last year and is going from strength to strength,” he said. “That was the number one local manifesto commitment I made. I’m really, really happy that it’s been successful.”