Conservative Party chairman Jake Berry reaffirmed the Tories’ commitment to British Jewry as he learned the traditions of Succot at a meeting arranged by the Board of Deputies at Finchley Synagogue’s Kinloss premises.

Addressing Board and other communal leaders, the Rossendale and Darwen MP said he aimed to build on the warm relationship built by Oliver Dowden and other former party chairmen, making it “even closer”.

It was also carrying on the legacy of Margaret Thatcher, who was the Finchley MP and a staunch supporter of the Jewish community.

Before giving Mr Berry a tour of the synagogue, the shul’s senior rabbi, Jeremy Lawrence, introduced him to the lulav and etrog, explaining the significance of Succot to religious Jews.

Mr Berry — who said he felt he was “among friends” — recounted joining a Jewish acquaintance for Friday night dinner in the run-up to the 2019 election.

“I remember clearly having a very emotional, very unsettling conversation with him about a potential Jeremy Corbyn victory and what that would look and feel like for British Jews and actually feeling scared.

“I felt so ashamed, not of the British people but of British politics, that we could allow a situation to arise whereby so many Jewish constituents and friends told me that they would seriously consider emigrating if Labour won,” he went on.

Mr Berry stressed the importance of resisting any form of antisemitism because “as we’ve seen in the past, when it gets permission to come out, it comes out”.

Board president Marie van der Zyl told him: “It makes such a difference when you take the time to visit and talk with us; to try to understand us and what makes us tick; our worries and our fears.

“We look forward to strengthening ties in the future.”