A prominent figure in Barnet’s Labour party has defected to the Lib Dems due to his “massive disappointment” with Labour’s response to the Brexit vote.

Richard Logue, of Hammers Lane, is the former chair of Mill Hill Residents Association, a leading activist in the Save Barnet Libraries and was involved in the EU Remain campaign.

Along with his work on the Residents Association, Mr Logue is leading the NW7 Hub organisation to bring a new community centre and library to Mill Hill.

He has left the Labour party because of his disappointment in their choice to back the Brexit decisions of Theresa May’s government.

READ MORE: NW7 Hub presents vision to residents for Mill Hill library in partnership with Barnet Council

Criticising “the hard Brexit favoured by UKIP and the far right of the conservative Party”, he called Labour “increasingly out of touch with moderate public opinion on a wide range of issues”.

Mr Logue said: “I believe the Liberal Democrats are the only party who can take back Mill Hill ward for the people of Mill Hill in the 2018 local elections.

“The Conservatives have neglected the ward since 2010 and allowed developers to do whatever they like to destroy our green belt.

“What’s more the Conservatives have cut back council services to the point where local control has been lost.

“It’s time the people of Mill Hill fought back.”

The Liberal Democrats held council seats in Mill Hill from 1994 to 2010 before the Conservatives gained control of the ward.

Leader of the Barnet Labour group Cllr Barry Rawlings said: “Richard campaigned passionately alongside myself and Labour colleagues for the Remain side of the argument during the referendum.

“I am very sad to see him go but I understand his position.

“The referendum result has divided people within the Conservatives, Labour and the Lib Dems, as well as the country.”