A councillor who has missed 34 out of a total of 65 council meetings since he was elected is standing down.

Daniel Seal, a Conservative representative for Hampstead Garden Suburb, says he is leaving politics to focus on his global media and conference company.

Since he was elected in May 2010, he was due to attend 65 council meetings – but he was present for just 34 - 52 per cent of them.

Of the 31 meetings he missed, apologies were received for 23.

Since his re-election last year he has missed 16 of 30 meetings.

After the announcement, Cllr Seal said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent the Garden Suburb ward for the past five years. 

"I’ve had to take the decision of stepping down as my growing business is demanding more of my time and frequently spending time abroad, I regret I cannot give 100 per cent to both the business and my ward. 

"I’ve enjoyed working with members of the community and Councillors Marshall and Rozenberg.  I shall miss the cut and thrust of local politics and I wish my successor all the very best.”

Cllr Richard Cornelius, leader of Barnet Council said: “Daniel has been a committed councillor and member of the Conservative Party and I’m pleased his business is expanding.   

"No doubt this was a difficult decision for him to take but I respect the reasons behind it. He’s helped the council and the Conservative Party achieve many positive things for the Garden Suburb. Local Conservatives will announce their candidate to fill the vacancy shortly.”