Three long-serving Conservative councillors have said they are “devastated” after they were not re-selected by their party to stand in upcoming local elections.

Councillors Joan Scannell, who represents the Edgware ward; Maureen Braun, who represents Hendon; and Mill Hill ward’s Sury Khatri all failed to make the cut at a selection interview by Hendon Conservative Association last weekend.

The decision means they will not be able to stand for re-election when voters go to the polls on May 3.

In a joint statement, the councillors said: “All three councillors are devastated by this. We are, however, truly honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve the community all these years and would like to thank the residents who have placed their trust in us and supported us throughout the years.”

First elected to Edgware in 1994, Cllr Scannell served as chairman of the General Functions Committee for 16 years and conservative group secretary for 21 years.

She was awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s 90th birthday honours for her long service to the council and to the community.

Cllr Braun was first elected to Hendon ward in 1998. She served as chairman of the Hendon Area Planning Committee and holds the highest attendance record for daytime meetings.

First elected in 2010, cllr Khatri is chairman of the Hendon Residents’ Forum and helped establish the NW7 Hub and Mill Hill Partnership Library.

Councillor Dan Thomas, chairman of Hendon Conservative Association and deputy leader of the Council, said: “As per Conservative Party rules, all councillors must be reselected by their constituency association to stand for re-election. As this process is conducted by secret ballot, it is neither possible nor appropriate to speculate why applicants are not successful.

“Councillors Joan Scannell, Maureen Braun, and Sury Khatri have a combined length of service on Barnet Council of 52 years and both Joan and Maureen served with distinction as Mayor. We are extremely grateful for all they helped us to achieve as a Conservative Council and we wish them all the best for the future.”

New candidates for the vacant positions will be selected by the association in due course.