By Simon Allin @SimonAllin3 Local Democracy Reporter, Barnet, Enfield and Haringey
Cllr Shimon Ryde is currently listed as independent A councillor has stepped back from the Barnet Conservatives to deal with a personal matter, according to a statement from the group. Cllr Shimon Ryde, who represents Childs Hill, is currently listed as an independent councillor on the Barnet Council website. It comes days after the Conservatives boosted their majority on the council by holding a seat in Edgware and gaining a seat in East Barnet in two by-elections. Elected in 2014, Cllr Ryde has recently served as chairman of the strategic planning committee.