The new Mayor of Barnet has been sworn in at a ceremony in Hendon Town Hall.

Councillor Melvin Cohen began his second term as Mayor of Barnet on Tuesday night after being officially sworn in at Barnet Borough Council’s Annual General Meeting.

Cllr Cohen, who has represented Golders Green ward since 1982, is only the second councillor to take the role twice, the last being Victor Usher in 1969 and 1982.

He said: “It is an incredible honour to be appointed as Mayor and it’s made particularly special by the fact that I will be taking on the responsibilities of the role for the second time.

“I am very much looking forward to the year ahead, and especially the opportunity to meet the many interesting people who make Barnet such a unique place to live.”

The Mayor has spent most of his life in the borough, having attended Wessex Gardens Primary School and Hasmonean Grammar School for boys.

During his mayoral year, Councillor Cohen has chosen to support two charities, Kisharon, a charity that supports Jewish people with learning disabilities, and the Mayor of Barnet’s Armed Forces Welfare Fund, which helps support members of the British Armed Forces who have suffered life changing injuries while on operations. 

Cllr Cohen has replaced Mill Hill Councillor Brian Schama, who said he had greatly enjoyed his time in office but was glad to be an “ordinary boy” again.

He said: “It was a wonderful experience and a busy year. It was a great honour being Mayor. Barnet is a wonderful borough to represent.  

“I’m returning to ordinary life now. I’m starting my surgeries again and am back on committees.”