Friend of the community: Former Barnet MP John Marshall dies aged 85
Veteran Conservative who championed Jewish interests in Barnet throughout a four-decade career
Former Hendon South MP John Marshall – a long-standing ally of the Jewish community in Barnet – has died aged 85.
Marshall represented Hendon South between 1987 and 1997, a seat that included synagogues, Jewish schools, and one of the UK’s fastest-growing Jewish populations. He became a recognised defender of Israel relations, communal security and tackling antisemitism, concerns that defined his constituency.
He had previously served for a decade as MEP for London North and went on to fight the new Finchley and Golders Green seat in 1997 – then regarded as the heart of Jewish London – as boundary changes reshaped Barnet’s political map. He was not immune to the New Labour political landslide, however, and was defeated in his attempts to win the new seat in both 1997 and 2001.
Though not Jewish himself, Marshall was seen as one of the Conservative Party’s most dependable voices on issues affecting Jewish residents. He worked closely with community leaders across Finchley, Golders Green and Hendon, and was a regular presence at local events and commemorations.
Former Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers said: “This is a very sad loss. John Marshall gave immense service to Barnet, first as MEP, then MP, then ward councillor. I had the honour to know him for around 25 years and I had huge respect for him. He really cared about the people he represented. Right up to his final days, he was following the ups-and-downs of politics. He was a good friend and I will miss him.”
Former Finchley and Golders Green MP Mike Freer added: “John Marshall was the archetypal public servant. He was part of the community he served and found strength in working for local constituents. He was a well-known supporter and advocate for the Jewish community and Israel. He was an exemplary MP and will be remembered fondly.”
After leaving Westminster, Marshall returned to public life locally, serving as a Barnet councillor from 1998 to 2022, including a term as Mayor in 2008-09 and senior cabinet posts overseeing significant investment in the borough’s schools and libraries.
He maintained strong links with Barnet Conservatives and continued to support political and community engagement in recent years.