Support needed to protect councillors from ‘deplorable’ abuse

More support is needed to protect councillors from abuse amid concern it could put people off from standing for local elections, a Monmouthshire council meeting has heard.

Monmouthshire councillors called for more support to be offered as some shared their experiences of receiving abuse at a meeting on Thursday.

The concerns were raised during a discussion about diversity in local government ahead of the local government elections next May.

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has asked all councils to sign up to the Diversity in Local Government programme, which is aimed at encouraging candidates from more diverse backgrounds to stand for election.

Councils have been encouraged to ensure members receive their full allowances, so that the role is not limited to those who can afford it, and political parties have been asked to encourage diversity among candidates.

Labour group leader Dimitri Batrouni said support to protect councillors from abuse was also needed, adding that members in Newport had removed their home address from being publicised to protect them from abuse.

“I do not think we have got to that stage in Monmouthshire yet,” he said.

“But I suspect all of us know of a character during our campaign who you would be cautious of.”

Cllr Batrouni said a support package would help encourage people from minority groups to come forward for election.

Independent councillor Simon Howarth said the political side of the role “drive[s] a lot of really good people away” from being a councillor.

“I personally have had two arson attacks while I have been a councillor,” he said. “I have had no support whatsoever with things like that.”

Cllr Bob Greenland, deputy leader, said the council’s democratic services committee could look at the support which the authority offers members.

“We do recognise that while we may not be in the same firing line as MPs, nevertheless we do get abuse,” he said.

“I’ve been quite surprised listening to some members over the last few months, especially the women members, at the abuse they have had which is deplorable frankly.”

Cllr Armand Watts said the authority should also look to offer more help to encourage people who have settled status into local politics.

And Cllr Lisa Dymock spoke of the importance of encouraging people with disabilities into politics, as well as women and people from ethnic minority groups.

Councillors unanimously agreed to signing up to the WLGA Diversity in Local Democracy programme.