Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has congratulated the Conservative group on its win in Barnet and said Labour must not tolerate antisemitism in its ranks.

The MP for Chipping Barnet highlighted “serious concern” about antisemitism in Labour as a major factor in the result, alongside the Tories’ pledges on local services and council tax levels.

Her statement cames after the Conservatives secured a 13-seat majority on Barnet Council following local elections on May 3.

The council had previously been under no overall control after former Mill Hill councillor Sury Khatri resigned from the Conservatives.

Ms Villiers said: “When I knocked on doors across Barnet, I received a positive reception from many residents about the Conservative message on keeping our weekly bin collections, keeping council tax down, and opposing overdevelopment.

“Conservative councils give you better services and lower council tax.

“The result shows that residents in Barnet do not trust Labour with local public services or council tax. I hope it also strongly reinforces the message that Labour must not tolerate antisemitism in their party.”

Ms Villiers added that it was not just the Jewish community in Barnet that had expressed concerns about antisemitism in Labour, but that a range of residents from diverse backgrounds had raised the issue on the doorstep.

“I have campaigned against antisemitism in all its forms for more than 20 years and will continue to do so,” she said.

“I congratulate all the Conservative councillors who have been re-elected or elected for the first time. I look forward to working with them to defend the interests of my constituents and campaign on the issues that matter to local people.”