The Finchley Church End councillor led the borough’s Conservative administration between 2019 and 2022 reports David Floyd

Reform UK has claimed a “powerful endorsement” of its “growing movement” in the borough after former council leader Dan Thomas defected to the party from the Conservatives.

Cllr Thomas, who has been a councillor since 2006, led the council from 2019 to 2022, when the Conservatives were defeated by Labour. He stepped down as opposition leader last year and becomes the second Barnet Conservative to join the right-wing populist party following the defection of Hendon councillor Mark Shooter in November.

Hailing the news of Cllr Thomas’s move, Cllr Shooter, who is Reform’s Barnet chairman told Barnet Post he was “delighted” to welcome his former Conservative colleague to the party’s Barnet group. He said: “Dan brings with him over 20 years of experience in local government and previously served as leader of Barnet Council, giving him a wealth of insight into how the borough works and where it needs to improve.

“His decision to join Reform UK is a powerful endorsement of our growing movement in Barnet. He joins a diverse and passionate team of doctors, builders, lawyers, and local residents—real people who want to make a real difference.

“This is fantastic news for Reform UK and for Barnet. Together, we’re focused on delivering practical solutions and a fresh approach to local politics.”

Responding to the news, Cllr Peter Zinkin, who replaced Cllr Thomas as Barnet Conservative leader last year, played down the local significance of the defection. He told Barnet Post: “Dan has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us over the past 20 years. He informed us several months ago that this would be his final year serving as a councillor in Barnet, having moved to the West Country to be closer to his family and raise his children there.

“We understand that his decision to join Reform UK reflects a change in his national political outlook. We recognise and appreciate the significant contribution he made as a Conservative councillor.”

Barnet Post has approached Cllr Thomas for comment.

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