The leader of Barnet Council has stepped down from his job as a banker to become an advisor to one of the borough's MPs.

Councillor Mike Freer, who represents Finchley Church End, is to become a policy advisor to Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet Theresa Villiers.

Mr Freer will help the shadow transport team in Westminster communicate with key stakeholders as well as work on new policy and ideas.

"I am delighted and very grateful to be given this excellent opportunity to build relationships and firm up policy in the transport arena," said Mr Freer, who is leaving his job at Barclays to focus full-time on his council and political responsibilities.

He will be liaising with the MP, who is also Shadow Transport Secretary, and the City Hall team to identify transport improvement projects.

"It gives me an insight into issues coming up and will give me a great idea of how Transport for London come up with their policies," he added.

"I will also have a lot more time to devote to my roles in the borough."

Ms Villiers said: "When Mike said he wanted to help out, I grabbed his arm off because he is very talented and I trust his judgment.

"He is doing an excellent job as leader of Barnet and the work he does here is going to be invaluable towards the work the Conservative party is doing on our transport policy."