A senior politician convicted of lying to the police to cover for her son after a car crash will appeal against the verdict.

Councillor Nilgun Canver was found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice by falsely claiming she was the driver following a collision in Seven Sisters Road on January 24, 2013.

In fact her son Burak had been driving the vehicle without insurance. He fled, and Cllr Canver tried to take the blame when she arrived at the scene afterwards.

Councillor David Browne, a former Haringey mayor, gave evidence in defence of Canver during the four-day trial at Wood Green Crown Court.

Speaking after the verdict, he said: “I’m very disappointed with the outcome but I can’t say much because Nilgun will be appealing the verdict.”

Cllr Canver had claimed a police officer and two witnesses who gave evidence against her were lying about her claim that she was the driver.

Haringey Borough Council’s former cabinet member for the environment told the jury she told a “momentary” lie that lasted for about 30 seconds to a minute but otherwise co-operated fully with officers.

After 11 hours and 30 minutes of deliberations, jurors rejected Cllr Canver’s claims and returned a guilty verdict by a majority of ten to two.

A Haringey council spokesman said the council accepted the verdict and that this was a personal matter for Cllr Canver.

He said: “We recognise the findings of the court.

“Under the Local Government Act 1972, Cllr Canver is entitled to continue in her role as a St Ann’s ward councillor.”