News

Waltham Forest councillors unite against ‘appalling abuse’ of politicians

Both Labour and Conservative members addressed the issue at a council meeting, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter

Grace Williams addressing Waltham Forest Town Hall

Councillors have called for more compassion in town halls after facing “intimidation and abuse” in recent weeks.

Both Labour and Conservative members addressed the issue at a Waltham Forest Council meeting last night (18th July).

They described the threats elected representatives face as “detrimental” to the democratic process and “chilling”.

Grace Williams, Labour leader of the council since 2021, said there would be “no tolerance” for violence or intimidation, but it was becoming an “increasing part” of councillors’ lives.

She said: “I know many of us in this room have experienced that moment of dread when you’re confronted aggressively at a meeting, in your surgery or in the street.

“The moment of shock and fear, especially after the murders of MPs Jo Cox [in 2016] and Sir David Amess [in 2021], is real – and the fear for our families is real, too.”

Cllr Williams said women and people from ethnic minority groups “bore the brunt” of that intimidation, and called out the “appalling” abuse levelled at Birmingham Yardley MP Jess Phillips.

The council leader urged her fellow members to “strengthen their commitment to civil debate” and backed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s intentions to “counter popular extremism and end divisive and performative politics”.

At the end of the debate, all councillors present backed the proposals to implement a ‘civility in public life’ action plan going forward. It would address the “evolving forms” of intimidation councillors face and “ensure their welfare and safety”.

In 2022, seven in ten councillors across the UK reported being abused to some extent, according to a report by the Local Government Association. Councillors also said such incidents were becoming both more common and more severe.

Conservative councillor Catherine Saumarez told the chamber she “can’t see herself standing again if this is the political environment we foster”.

She said she had been “screamed at, called a racist, and chased down the street” while canvassing in the run-up to the general election on 4th July.

The Larkswood ward councillor said members should “lead by example,” adding: “On both sides, we treat each other with disdain.

“We don’t talk to each other with the respect our positions deserve.”

Cllr Williams said officials needed to “leave politics at the door,” while acknowledging that councillors were respectful when working on cross-party committees together.

During the election period, the offices of Labour candidates Stella Creasy – who was re-elected in Walthamstow – and Shama Tatler – who failed to unseat Iain Duncan Smith in Chingford and Woodford Green – were both vandalised.

Tory group leader Emma Best said it was “unacceptable” and “not reflective” of how politics should be handled in the borough.

She added that it was just not just right-wingers who presented a “political threat,” but left-wingers, too.

The motion followed a lengthy and tense debate over Cllr Williams’ motion to formally welcome the new Labour government.

She praised the new administration for its plans to “deliver a radical transfer of power from Westminster to communities” after 14 years under Conservative rule.

The Tory group, comprising 13 councillors of the 60 total, unsuccessfully pushed for an amendment listing what they called the achievements of the former government.

They included the introduction of equal marriage and commencing the rebuild of Whipps Cross Hospital.

John Moss, representing Larkswood, said the motion was “inaccurate” and had “little to do with Waltham Forest”.


No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month.  £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.

Donate now with Pay Pal

More information on supporting us monthly or annually 

More Information about donations

Our newspaper and website are made possible by the support of readers and by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider helping us to continue to bring you news by disabling your ad blocker or supporting us with a small regular payment.