A COUNCILLOR has defended his actions in not putting a detailed list of his interests online by claiming protection of private data.

Councillor Daniel Seal is one of six Conservatives to have declined to publish their interests on Barnet Council's website, with a seventh relenting last week.

The lists give personal information including full home addresses and details of jobs and other personal information about members.

Cllr Seal said: “I made a decision to enter public life by getting involved in local politics. I understand the public have a right to know about me and I'm more than happy to give any information to them if they email me.

“I do however have concerns about the control of information available freely on the internet and I'm concerned about having my home address widely available.

“I'm now in the process of reviewing whether I put my information on the internet.”