BARNET councillor and much-loved community activist Monroe Palmer has been made a Lord it was announced this morning.

News is just in that Cllr Palmer, who was first elected in 1986 and is Chairman of the Liberal Democrats Friends of Israel, was selected for the party’s list of new peers.

Cllr Palmer is well-known in his ward seat of Child’s Hill which he represents alongside his wife Cllr Susette Palmer.

He has three children, six grandchildren and has lived in the area for 48 years.

Former Liberal Democrat candidate for Hampstead and Kilburn, Ed Fordham, welcomed the announcement.

“This is brilliant news for Barnet, Cricklewood and Child’s Hill as well as the Jewish community,” he said. “I am genuinely delighted for both Monroe and Susette.”