Disgraced councillor Brian Coleman has been reported to the information watchdog after failing to explain why he destroyed a laptop given to him by Barnet Council.

Responding to a question submitted by Tory councillor Brian Salinger at Tuesday’s full council meeting, council leader Cllr Richard Cornelius said Cllr Coleman had been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) amid fears of a “potential data loss”.

Cllr Coleman’s solicitor confirmed in written correspondence that the councillor had destroyed his laptop but did not answer questions regarding the way in which the equipment was disposed, according to Cllr Cornelius.

Last year, Cllr Coleman was expelled from the Conservative Party after being convicted of assaulting a woman.

The former Barnet mayor is now serving Totteridge as an independent councillor.