Three Cheshire East councillors reported “serious” incidents of abuse on the same day a report revealed more than a third had considered quitting because of harassment and intimidation, writes Belinda Ryan.
Death threats, excrement posted through letterboxes, stalking, trolling and obscene phone calls are some of the harassment, abuse and intimidation experienced by borough councillors.
This week the corporate policy committee signed off on plans to bring in measures to tackle the threats and harassment.
But head of democratic services Brian Reed said: “I have to say that, just in the course of today, I’ve had three instances separately of individual members coming for advice on serious issues.”
In total, 67% of Cheshire East’s 82 councillors responded to a survey sent out by a task and finish group (TFG) looking into the problem.
The key findings revealed:
35% had considered leaving their role as a councillor because of incidents of abuse, intimidation or harassment
43% felt the volume of abuse, intimidation and harassment had increased in the last 12 months
54% felt council arrangements for protecting them personally were ineffective
82% had experienced harassment, abuse and intimidation via social media
Macclesfield councillor Fiona Wilson (Lab), who chaired the TFG, said: “Even I, with all my time in politics, was horrified by the results.
“What members were saying to us about the impact on them as councillors and on their daily lives, the things they were experiencing, we have to act.”
She said the group had met with the police and the Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price to discuss how to tackle the problem and deal with those who peddle hate.
Recommendations approved by the committee to help tackle the problem include:
The introduction of a formal reporting process
The appointment of a nominated officer for councillor safety
Development of a comprehensive councillor safety protocol
Provision of lone-working devices
Targeted training around conflict prevention and wellbeing
The creation of a member champion for councillor safety – as an advocate to ensure these issues remain prioritised
Deputy council leader Michael Gorman (Wilmslow, Ind), who revealed he had been stalked, said: “The level of intimidation and abuse is shocking and worrying.
“It shouldn’t be forgotten we had two MPs murdered in broad daylight – Jo Cox and Sir David Amess.
“Cheshire East will provide protection as we can.
“We have a full security review underway, and we will take part in the national Debate, Not Hate campaign.”
Cllr Janet Clowes (Wybunbury, Con) said the bullying from “a more poisonous element of society” which hides behind anonymity must never be allowed to become normalised.
She added: “I would just like to put on record my thanks to our local PCSO Nick Jarvis who, with me, is now arranging regular police and ward member surgeries so that I don’t have to do these things on my own.”
Council leader Nick Mannion (Macclesfield, Lab) said all councillors had to take tough policy decisions which affect residents’ lives, but threats and harassment would not deter him.
“I’ve had excrement posted through my letterbox. I’ve had cooked foods smeared on my windows,” he said.
“I don’t know who did it but, I tell you what, they didn’t change my position on anything by a single jot.”
Abuse is wrong but what about councillors that point blank refuse to engage with constituents? That is an affront to democracy and makes them unfit for office
You can send polite emails asking about a matter and get no response. Some of them treat the electorate with contempt
Excrement in the post? What is this? Does it make cakes?
It shows a breakdown in standards that idiots resort to this abuse. You might not agree but lose the argument when abuse etc is used. All social media including this forum should not have anonymous contributors. If you say it stand by it.
There is absolutely no excuse for abuse, threatening behaviour, intimidation or any other potential criminal activity.
There is a right to question, challenge the decision and policies of elected representatives. Many of us feel they fail to represent the people they are elected by . The electorate has a polite right to question the integrity of both policy and decisions.
Surely this is no different than share holders of public limited companies at an AGM . when the board of directors are held to account.
Frustration in the lack of a true democratic process should not be an excuse for any questionable behaviour.
People are frustrated by the lack of responsibility and accountability in the public sector. Good manners should always prevail.